Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh has disclosed what he went through following the mistaken identity incident which took place during the IPL 2024 auction. In the 2024 auction, two players with the same name Shashank Singh registered for the business event to get picked up by franchises. At the auction, confusion emerged when Punjab bought Shashank. After doing the deal, Punjab said that they bid for the player who is playing until the day. Despite PBKS’ explanation, netizen trolled the right-handed batter.
In a recent interview with CricTracker,Shashank Singh recalled how he became the target of trolls after the auction error. "I still remember when the auction was done, people were asking me, 'Do you really play cricket?' I don't know
how my number got viral, but I used to get calls asking 'Do you play cricket, or do you play for the time pass?' I still remember that there was a lot of trolling on Instagram and social media, and again, after my first IPL match in Punjab, I think I got out on zero against the Delhi Capitals. So, there were so many memes. My sister used to tell me not to open Instagram," said Shashank.
Shashank also revealed that during those times, he was mentally strong which helped him to tackle the online trolling. "I was mentally very tough. I used to believe. I know that I have the capability to perform at the highest level. So why shouldn't I do it? So it was hurtful. But again, if something like this had happened when I was 18 or 19 years old, I would have gone very low. But I think when it happened, I was a mature person. And I think I came back very strongly," added the 33-year-old.
Shashank Singh's performance for Punjab Kings
Serving PBKS in the couple of seasons, Shashank Singh hammered 704 runs in 28 innings of 31 matches at a strike rate of 158.91. This year, Punjab played the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad and Shashank smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 30 but his batting contribution went in vain as PBKS lost the match by six runs.
Discussing Shashank's overall IPL 2025 numbers, he amassed 350 runs in 14 innings of 17 matches at a fine strike rate of 153.50. In the upcoming domestic season, Shashank will look to shine with his bat for Chattisgarh.
