Punjab Kings (PBKS) batsman Shashank Singh, who is yet to earn his first international call-up, has made a bold statement regarding his selection for the India cricket team. Shashank predicted that he will represent Team India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The right-handed batsman started his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, his breakthrough came with Punjab Kings, where he performed consistently during the 2024 IPL season. The middle-order batsman was retained along with Prabhsimran Singh ahead of the 2025 mega auction.
I will play T20 World Cup 2026 in India – Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh said that he will play for Team India in the T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The right-hander said it will happen, despite being unsure how the opportunity will come.
“I have one prediction and that is that I will play in the upcoming (T20) World Cup in India, and win games for the team. I don’t know how it will happen, but I am sure it will happen,” Shashank told ESPN Cricinfo.
Shashank faced heavy social media trolling due to mistaken identity during the IPL 2024 auction. Two players named Shashank Singh were auctioned, creating uncertainty over who Punjab Kings had bid for. The team made it clear that their desired player was the right one.
Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the Indian team – Punjab Kings star Shashank Singh.
33-year-old Shashank Singh said that age is not a hindrance in playing for India. He cited Suryakumar Yadav, who made his debut at the age of 30 and is now India’s T20I captain, and Pravin Tambe, who made his IPL debut at the age of 41, as examples of players who achieved success later in their careers.
“Surya hit Joffra (Archer) for a six in his first match (innings) and now he is the captain of the Indian team,” he said. “Then there is Pravin Tambe. He didn’t play for India, but made his IPL debut at the age of 41. Can you imagine that!”.
Shashank had a great season for Punjab in 2024, scoring 354 runs in 14 matches at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. He continued his strong form in IPL 2025, scoring 350 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.50, helping PBKS finish as runners-up.
Shreyas Singh is on a different level overall – Shashank Singh
Shashank praised Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer and described him as an extraordinary leader with a unique mindset. He also praised coach Ricky Ponting for simplifying cricket, making it easier for players to understand and effectively execute complex aspects of the game.
“Shreyas is on a completely different level,” said Shashank. “He has his own aura, a different mentality altogether. Won’t talk nonsense, won’t tolerate nonsense. When he bats in the nets, he knows what he is doing. If someone asks me, ‘Who is the best captain you have played under?’ Keep your hands down, Shreyas Iyer.”
“And then Ricky sir. He has made the game very simple. Cricket can be a complicated game sometimes. If you ask the batsman, the legs should not be crossed, and the head should not be dropped, but Ricky sir has simplified the game brilliantly.”
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