Source: NDTV Sports

The glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League often masks the raw, human emotion that underpins its high-stakes drama. For the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2026 season, the journey was a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature, transitioning from the cusp of glory to a bewildering freefall. After the jubilation of reaching the playoffs in 2025 – a feat not achieved in 11 years – and then finishing as runners-up, expectations for PBKS in 2026 were sky-high. Led by the astute Shreyas Iyer, the team lived up to the hype in the first half, dominating opponents with six wins from their initial seven matches, with one game washed out. They appeared destined for the top, but what followed was an unprecedented collapse that left fans and pundits stunned. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV Sports, PBKS batter Shashank Singh, a fixture with the franchise since 2024, offered a remarkably candid account of the team’s dramatic downturn and the personal struggles faced within the unforgiving spotlight of the IPL.

The Precipitous Fall: PBKS’s Unprecedented 2026 Campaign

The 2026 IPL season began with an almost fairy-tale quality for the Punjab Kings. Having broken an 11-year playoff drought in 2025 and coming agonisingly close to the title, they were rightly billed as one of the favourites. Their initial performances, securing six victories from seven matches, reinforced this perception. Momentum was firmly on their side, and a playoff berth seemed a mere formality. Yet, in a twist that defied all cricketing logic, the team embarked on an abysmal run, losing six consecutive matches and ultimately missing out on qualification for the knockout stages. This dramatic reversal of fortunes, from commanding leads to consistent defeats, triggered widespread questioning of both player performance and management decisions.

Shashank Singh, reflecting on this bewildering period, admitted the team’s morale was ‘very high’ after their initial winning streak. There were ‘no negative discussions’ initially, but a palpable confusion set in. ‘We kept wondering why it was happening,’ Singh recounted, highlighting the rare nature of such a collapse. ‘Winning six or seven games in a row and then losing six on the trot is a collapse that very few teams have experienced.’ This level of inconsistency is indeed a rarity in the IPL, a league renowned for its fine margins. While other teams might endure slumps, to transition from such dominance to complete capitulation often points to underlying issues that are hard to diagnose in the fast-paced, relentless tournament schedule. Singh acknowledged this difficulty, stating, ‘The IPL is such a fast-moving tournament that correcting mistakes is not easy.’ The luxury of extensive strategic overhauls or significant playing XI changes is simply not available, making in-match or mid-tournament corrections incredibly challenging. Looking back, Singh identified specific moments – ‘dropped crucial catches, could have bowled better in important overs, and failed to build on important partnerships’ – as the key factors that collectively undermined their campaign. These are the small but critical elements that often decide tight T20 encounters, and their collective failure points to a breakdown in execution under pressure.

Beyond the Hype: Dispelling Rift Rumours

In the digital age, speculation often outpaces reality, especially in the high-octane world of professional sports. As PBKS’s form spiralled, social media platforms became rife with rumours of internal discord and rifts within the dressing room – a common narrative trope when successful teams suddenly falter. However, Shashank Singh unequivocally dismissed such claims. ‘Not at all. Not even by 0.1 per cent,’ he asserted, underscoring the unity within the squad. He painted a picture of a team that remained ‘quite relaxed,’ maintaining the same approach whether they were winning or losing. While on-field performances undoubtedly deteriorated, the off-field environment remained ‘completely normal.’

This steadfast unity, as Singh described, was crucial. He credited the senior figures within the team, including Captain Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Head Coach Ricky Ponting, for focusing on the positives. These experienced individuals, having ‘experienced such situations before,’ provided a calming influence, particularly for the younger players who might have been overwhelmed by the sudden downturn and external noise. In an era where player cliques and ego clashes can derail even the most talented squads, PBKS’s ability to remain cohesive, despite the on-field struggles and external pressures, speaks volumes about the team culture fostered by its leadership. It suggests that while tactical errors or execution failures were evident, the spirit and camaraderie remained intact, a vital foundation for future campaigns.

The All-Rounder’s Resolve: Shashank’s Bowling Prowess in Crisis

Amidst the team’s struggles, Shashank Singh showcased his own evolving capabilities, particularly with the ball. Having been hampered by injury in domestic cricket the previous year, Singh revealed a deep-seated determination to contribute as a bowler in IPL 2026. He understood the modern T20 game, especially with the ‘Impact Player rule’ in place, which often means traditional specialist bowlers can be supplemented by part-time options. Singh positioned himself as that crucial ‘sixth or seventh bowling option,’ acknowledging he would likely be called upon ‘only when the bowling unit wasn’t doing well.’ This self-awareness and foresight are hallmarks of a smart cricketer.

His moment arrived in a high-pressure match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With the explosive duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head wreaking havoc on the PBKS bowlers, Singh took the initiative. He approached Shreyas Iyer with confidence, delivering a clear message: ‘Just give me an over or two and I’ll make sure I do the job.’ This proactive step, born from mental preparation and repeated visualisation during practice, paid dividends. Singh delivered, picking up two crucial wickets that momentarily stemmed the flow of runs. This performance not only highlighted his skill but also his exceptional temperament under pressure, marking him as a valuable asset capable of turning the tide when the primary bowlers are under siege. It underscores the increasing demand for multi-dimensional cricketers in T20 leagues, where flexibility and a ‘can-do’ attitude are highly prized.

A Human Touch: The Struggle with Fielding Under Scrutiny

Perhaps the most poignant part of Singh’s admission concerned his fielding, an area where he surprisingly struggled despite his usually high standards. Fielding, often seen as a foundational skill, became a source of significant mental anguish for Singh, even leading to him being ‘trolled’ by friends. He candidly revealed that there was ‘not any technical issue,’ but rather a profound mental block. After dropping an initial two catches against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he admitted, ‘I stopped enjoying it.’ This loss of enjoyment, a stark contrast to the basic advice from his U-16 and U-19 coaches to ‘enjoy fielding and not be too harsh on ourselves,’ became a self-perpetuating problem.

The intensity of the IPL, where every dropped catch can swing a match and garner widespread scrutiny, amplified his struggle. ‘The IPL is such a fast-paced tournament that once something goes wrong, it tends to stay in your mind,’ Singh explained. Despite rigorous practice, taking ‘500 to 1,000 catches a day,’ the mental barrier remained. It wasn’t until post-IPL discussions with coaches and close friends that the root cause – a lack of enjoyment – was identified. This remarkable honesty, acknowledging that ‘as a human being, mistakes can happen,’ offers a rare glimpse into the psychological pressures faced by athletes. It highlights the often-overlooked mental aspect of fielding, where confidence and a positive mindset are as crucial as technique. Singh’s acceptance of this ‘learning experience’ and his hope to ‘enjoy fielding a lot more’ in the future is a powerful testament to his resilience and commitment to personal growth, suggesting a future where he can overcome this past challenge.

A New Chapter: The Domestic Switch for Specialisation

Shashank Singh’s ambition extends beyond the IPL, as evidenced by his recent decision to switch domestic teams, moving from Chhattisgarh to Pondicherry. This strategic career move underscores his clear focus for the upcoming season: ‘I want to focus primarily on white-ball cricket.’ His ultimate goal is to evolve into a ‘proper white-ball all-rounder, someone who can bowl 10 overs in a one-day match and also score a hundred.’ This specialisation reflects a growing trend in modern cricket, where players often streamline their focus to excel in specific formats, particularly with an eye on national team aspirations in limited-overs cricket.

The decision was not made lightly. Singh alluded to a perceived lack of support from his previous state team. ‘Somewhere, I felt that I wasn’t getting enough support from my state team. That’s my perception, and I could be wrong,’ he stated, demonstrating a measured approach to a sensitive issue. Rather than engaging in conflict, he chose a pragmatic path, recognising that a ‘cricketer’s career is not very long.’ The opportunity presented by Pondicherry, which allowed him to ‘focus exclusively on white-ball cricket,’ perfectly aligned with his developmental plans. This move is a testament to Singh’s proactive career management, demonstrating his determination to carve out a niche and maximise his potential as a specialist white-ball cricketer, a role that could see him become an even more valuable asset in franchise cricket and potentially beyond.

Shashank Singh’s candid reflections offer invaluable insight into the inner workings of a professional cricket team navigating extreme highs and lows. His honesty about the psychological toll of dropped catches, the team’s confusion during an unprecedented collapse, and his proactive steps to refine his all-round game paint a picture of a player committed to self-improvement and dedicated to the sport. The PBKS’s 2026 season will be remembered for its dramatic narrative arc, but Singh’s voice adds a crucial human dimension, reminding us that even in the cutthroat world of the IPL, athletes are, fundamentally, ‘also human,’ learning and growing with every experience.

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Disclaimer: This coverage is based on reporting from NDTV Sports, with additional cricket analysis and context provided by Cricket Mantra.