Talented Punjab Kings (PBKS) player Shashank Singh has said that he goes to bat with the mentality that he is the best batter. However, the 32-year-old Shashank was named the Player of the Match for his stunning 61* off 29 balls as PBKS beat Gujarat Titans by three wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 4 as well. He smashed six fours and four sixes in his swashbuckling knock as Punjab Kings chased down a target of 200 with one ball in hand.

At the post-match presentation after being named Player of the Match, Shashank said, “They (senior players) are the legends of the game, but when I go to bat, I think I am the best, couldn’t get a lot of matches before. Here the owners and coaching staff backed me. I was very confident. (Win) still trying to sink in. Visualised all these things, but when it turned into reality, proud of the effort. Coach told me to react to the ball. The wicket is very good, the bounce was good. 200 scored by both teams, so the wicket was fantastic.”

Meanwhile, following the thrilling game, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan also lauded Shashank for playing an excellent knock under pressure. Dhawan, who got out for a mere 1 in the chase, said that, with his magnificent batting effort, Shashank Singh showed his class as well.

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“We lost a few wickets early, and Shashank came and played a tremendous knock. When you are chasing a big total, you have to keep the momentum going. Shashank showed his class. Magnificent knock,” Dhawan said.”He timed the ball so nicely; it looked effortless. He kept his cool and finished the game. He started from No. 7 and is now showing his positive mindset,” the PBKS captain shared.