Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma: Punjab Kings' rising stars lead the charge

Ahmedabad: Shashank Singh hammered an unbeaten 61 off 29 balls, while Ashutosh Sharma made an integral contribution of 31 runs in 17 balls, as the duo helped Punjab Kings register a sensational comeback win over the Gujarat Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Thursday. The two rising stars backed themselves and led the charge, scripting a partnership of 43 runs in 22 balls, to chase down the mammoth total of 200 with three wickets and one ball to spare and brought the Kings back to winning ways.

"I visualised moments like this. But turning it into reality, I am really happy and proud of myself," Shashank, the 32-year-old batting allrounder said after the match. "I play cricketing shots more. My coaches told me that I have to watch the ball react to the ball, and play on merit."

Shashank has played 58 domestic T20s in his career and has a strike rate of 137.34. While he plays for Chhattisgarh at the national level, he has featured for multiple IPL franchises in the past.

"The wicket and the bounce were fantastic. I was batting against some of the legends. But when I go to bat, I have to believe I am the best. I do not look at the bowler and just react to the balls. I am grateful to Punjab management, the coaching staff, and owners for backing me during the training sessions," he added.

Meanwhile, Ashutosh, who joined the Punjab Kings this year, came out as an Impact substitute during the match and repaid the faith shown in him by the franchise on his IPL debut. His immediate success is a testament to Punjab Kings' acute understanding of the sport and tremendous scouting of talent. The franchise kept their eyes on the 25-year-old for the past couple of years, and while hunting for a heavy-hitter who can finish off games, Punjab King's scouting team was further impressed by Ashutosh during the trials in Mohali last November.