Shashank Singh on Run-Out Controversy: “I Deserved It, Iyer Should’ve Slapped Me”
Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh has candidly opened up about his infamous run-out incident during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash against Mumbai Indians (MI), saying he deserved the scolding and even a slap from his captain, Shreyas Iyer. The dismissal came at a crucial point in the match and almost derailed PBKS’s spirited chase of a daunting 204-run target.
The match, played under intense pressure, saw Shreyas Iyer deliver a magnificent unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, leading his side to a five-wicket victory with an over to spare. However, the win was marred by a moment of frustration when Shashank Singh’s casual running led to his untimely dismissal. Iyer, visibly furious, didn’t hide his anger and reprimanded Shashank on the field, a clip that went viral on social media.
Now, reflecting on the incident, Shashank shared his side of the story in an interview with the Indian Express, accepting full responsibility. “I deserve it. Iyer should have slapped me,” he said. “My father didn’t even speak to me till the final. I was casual — walking on the beach, not even in the garden. It was a crucial time. Shreyas was clear — he told me, ‘I didn’t expect this from you.’ But later, he took me out for dinner.”
Shashank’s humility and honesty about the error have won praise from fans and critics alike. He admitted that the run-out not only disappointed the team but also affected his family, highlighting the pressure and emotional toll that professional cricket can bring.
Despite the misstep, Shashank bounced back in the final, delivering a valiant performance under pressure. Chasing 231 in the summit clash, he smashed an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, laced with three boundaries and six towering sixes. However, even his heroics couldn’t prevent PBKS from falling seven runs short of the target.
Discussing the nerve-wracking finale, Shashank detailed his strategy for the closing stages. “I had done my calculations for the last two overs. Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] likes to bowl yorkers, so I planned to get at least 16-17 runs from him. Ideally, I wanted the last over target to be around 24 runs. Unfortunately, I could only get 13 off Bhuvi, and it became 30 runs needed off the final over,” he explained.
Though he couldn’t take the team across the finish line, Shashank’s performance was commendable. He ended the season with 350 runs from 14 innings at an impressive average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.50, including three half-centuries.
The 33-year-old’s blend of self-awareness, resilience, and sportsmanship has made him one of PBKS’s most dependable players this season. His acknowledgment of mistakes and subsequent redemption reflects a strong mindset — one that fans and the team will look forward to in future campaigns.
With his form and attitude, Shashank Singh has proved that setbacks can lead to comebacks, provided one owns up, learns, and grows stronger.
IT.
