Shashank Singh's bold prediction came true |courtesy - BCCI/IPL
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Shashank Singh's prediction came true
- PBKS are currently top of the table
- PBKS will play the first qualifier
Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured their place in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) qualifier one after a victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets on Monday (May 26) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in a direct shootout for the top two.
This is the first time in 11 years that PBKS have made the playoffs, and now, like in 2014, they will have two chances of making the final. PBKS will face either Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first qualifier at Mullanpur, which is their home ground in the first qualifier on Thursday (May 29).
If PBKs win that match, they will reach the final scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3. If the Shreyas-led outfit faces defeat, they will get anothe chance to seal a spot in the summit clash as they will play the second qualifier on June 1 and face the winner of the eliminator.
Shashank Singh's Bold Prediction
A two-month-old video of PBKS star Shashank Singh went viral on social media following the team sealing a top-two spot. On an interaction on Shubankar Mishra's YouTube channel, the PBKS star predicted that the team will finish in the top two.
On being asked by the host about his prediction for the top four before the tournament started, Shashank promptly picked PBKS. The interviewer further asked him if he is sure PBKS will finish in the top four. the 33-year-old replied that he is sure they will finish in the top two.
"Punjab Kings Number one. Top Two Bol Raha Hu. Jis Din 14th match hoga message karunga aapko ki mera podcast chala do first. (I am saying top two. The day of the 14th match, I will message you to play my podcast again)," said Shashank.
In an interaction with PBKS' official media team, Shashank revealed that he was confident about the team's chances after meeting Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer.
"No. I always believed. The day I met Shreyas and Ricky Ponting. I knew whatever statement made. I had a word with Shreyas, he asked me what the difference is between believing and doing. Earlier, I just believed. Now I know, " said Shashank.
Shashank was retained by PBKS for Rs. 5.5 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction following an impressive 2024 campaign despite a controversy over his purchase in the auction. Shashank has played a key role for PBKS and been their designated finisher. He has made 284 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 149.47.
