Shashank Singh thanks Punjab Kings on ranking ninth on Google’s most searched athlete list

Punjab Kings’ star batter Shashank Singh recently expressed his gratefulness toward the franchise after making it to Google’s list of the ninth most searched athletes globally in 2024. The batter, who had a breakthrough Indian Premier League (IPL) season last year, opened up on the significant role Punjab Kings played in his achievements.

His performances led the franchise to retain him for IPL 2025 at the price of INR 5.5 crore. Singh’s brilliant performances earned him recognition on the field but also popularity off it. His name was featured on Google’s list of the most searched athletes worldwide in 2024, and he credited the Punjab-based franchise for his growing recognition.

“I did not know that Google releases a list of people who are searched across the world. It’s a big thing, honestly. I prefer celebrating in solace. But deep inside, it feels good that people across India and the world are searching for my name and knowing what I do. It has been possible because of the Punjab Kings. There are so many cricketers who are talented and playing at the top level, but Punjab Kings has always shown trust in me and backed me. Indeed, I worked hard as well," he said in a press release.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings (PBKS) Schedule 2025, Time Table, Timings, Dates, Venues Details

Excited to meet Shreyas because I have played cricket with him: Shashank Singh

With the upcoming season around the corner, Singh is looking forward to reuniting with his Kings teammates, including newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer and young talent Suryansh Shedge. Having shared the dressing room with both players in the DY Patil T20 Cup, Singh spoke about playing alongside them again.

“I am excited to meet Shreyas because I have played cricket with him at the junior level. We played together in the DY Patil T20 Cup, and we share a good bond. I am very excited to play under his captaincy this season. I am also excited to reunite with Suryansh, who is also from the same DY Patil team. He is a very bright prospect for both Punjab Kings and the country,” added Shashank.

The right-hand batter had an exceptional 2024 season, scoring 354 runs from 14 matches at an average of 44.25, with two half-centuries to his name. His breakthrough moment came when he smashed unbeaten match-winning innings of 61* off 29 deliveries against the Gujarat Titans. He reflected on his innings against the Gujarat Titans and the Kolkata Knight Riders.

“I am extremely lucky that I was a part of this franchise last year and was retained. I personally feel great about the innings against the Gujarat Titans and the Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. It was a special feeling that the team finished on the winning side, and I was the one who was standing there. The support the management gave me last year is something that is very close to my heart. Now, I could say that I am emotionally attached to the franchise. I’ll make sure that I do all the right things that I did last year to retain this trust,” the 33-year-old further added.