'A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence' - Preity Zinta breaks silence on Shashank Singh IPL auction controversy

Shashank Singh created quite a stir when Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed him at the base price of INR 20 lakh during the 2024 IPL mini-auction held in December last year. Shortly after confirming the deal, PBKS appeared to have some confusion regarding the player's identity and ended up signing the "wrong" Shashank Singh. Subsequently, PBKS owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia attempted to reverse it through auctioneer Mallika Sagar but she confirmed that the hammer had already fallen, leaving no room for reversal. Eventually, the franchise clarified that they had purchased the right one they wanted.

Punjab's 'mistake buy' turned out to be a stroke of luck on April 5, as he emerged as the match-winner against Gujarat Titans (GT). While chasing a mammoth target of 200 runs, the 32-year-old notched up an unbeaten 61 off just 29 deliveries after coming in to bat at number 6. Notably, his outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match.

Recalling the auction controversy, Preity Zinta lavished praise on Shashank's positive attitude amidst a challenging situation where many would have succumbed to pressure. The Bollywood icon also lauded the 32-year-old batter for gracefully handling all the comments and jokes, without letting it affect him adversely. She went on to say that Shashank serves as an inspiration to many, adding he will be the Man of the match in the game of life.

Also read: IPL 2024 Who is Shashank Singh? Everything you need to know about Punjab Kings star

“Today seems like the perfect day to finally talk about things that were said in the past about us at the auction. A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence, buckled under pressure or become de-motivated ……. but not Shashank ! He is not like a lot of people. He is truly special. Not just because of his skill as a player but because of his positive attitude & incredible spirit. He took all the comments, jokes and brick bats so sportingly & never became a victim. 

“He backed himself and showed us what he is made of, and for that I applaud him He has my admiration & my respect. I hope he can be an example to all of you when life takes a different turn & does not play according to script, for it’s not what people think of you that matters, but what You think of Yourself ! So never stop believing in yourself like Shashank & I’m sure you will be Man of the match in the game of life  @shashank2191 #Respect #Manofthematch #TrueGrit #TataIPL #GTvsPBKS #Saddapunjab #PunjabKings #PBKS #ting,” Zinta wrote on X.

See Preity Zinta's X post:

Today seems like the perfect day to finally talk about things that were said in the past about us at the auction. A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence, buckled under pressure or become de-motivated ……. but not Shashank ! He is not like a lot of… pic.twitter.com/OAPfLFKwxq

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 5, 2024

Shashank stars as PBKS beat Gujarat Titans by 3 wickets

Batting first, GT set a formidable target of 200 runs, courtesy of captain Shubman Gill's impressive knock of 89* off 48 balls, featuring six boundaries and four maximums. Sai Sudharsan contributed with 33 runs, while Rahul Tewatia added an unbeaten 23* to the total. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of bowlers for Punjab, finishing with figures of 2/44.  

Also read: Shashank Singh reveals MS Dhoni’s advice after match-winning knock against GT

In response, PBKS encountered early setbacks, losing two wickets inside the powerplay. However, Shashank Singh emerged as Punjab's saviour, forging a crucial 43-run partnership with Ashutosh Sharma for the seventh wicket. The 32-year-old remained unbeaten throughout the second innings, smashing 61 off a mere 29 deliveries. His stellar knock guided PBKS to a thrilling three-wicket win, with one ball to spare.