Shashank Singh issues first response after Punjab Kings' identity mix-up during IPL Auction 2024

When the Punjab Kings clarified the situation to allay any rumours about the team's purported unwillingness to choose the cricketer in the IPL 2023 auction, Shashank Singh handled it classily. For Shashank, the mini-auction proved to be an exciting event. Even though Shashank was auctioned at his basic price of ₹20 lakh, he still managed to seize his moment in the spotlight among prominent players like Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Daryl Mitchell, and Mitchell Starc, who secured considerable sums of money. It's interesting that attention was drawn to what happened right after PBKS purchased him rather than his asking price.

3 things you need to know 

• Shashank Singh was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹20 Lakhs
• PBKS clarified that the confusion  was regarding two Shashank Singhs on the list 
• PBKS clarified that the acquired player was always in their target 

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Confusion regarding Shashank Singh 

There were several people designated as Shashank Singh in the IPL 2024 auction. One is a 32-year-old hard-hitting middle-order batsman from Chattisgarh, while the other is a 19-year-old Bengal rookie who is yet to make his first-class debut. Surprisingly, it was the latter that came first during the auction's fast portion on Tuesday but went unsold. The veteran batter, who was formerly with the Sunrisers Hyderabad club, arrived roughly three minutes later, with PBKS being the only franchise to make a bid. Following that, PBKS successfully got him as auctioneer Mallika Sagar's hammer sealed the sale.

As the auction moved on to the next player, Tanay Thyagrajan, the narrative intensified. The PBKS table was buzzing with activity, with co-owners Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta waving their hands to gain the auctioneer's attention. Sagar's audio disclosed PBKS's intention to withdraw the proposal. However, the auctioneer emphasised that the hammer had already fallen, mandating the player's inclusion on their team.

PBKS said in a statement published on Wednesday that the Chhattisgarh all-rounder "was always on our target list," blaming the confusion on two players on the auction list with the same name. PBKS on X: 

"Official Update Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him on board and see him contribute to our success," 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 Official Update 🚨<br><br>Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him onboard and see him contribute to our success.</p>&mdash; Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1737449448048042006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">???<a href="https://t.co/ziyL2F45Zf">pic.twitter.com/ziyL2F45Zf</a></p>&mdash; भाई साहब (@Bhai_saheb) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhai_saheb/status/1737501102113689656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Shashank Singh’s first response after the IPL 2024 auction’s mix-up

Subsequently, Shashank, who was acquired by PBKS, expressed gratitude to the franchise in response to their statement, stating,

Shashank has 724 runs in 55 T20 matches, with an average of 20.11 and a strike rate of more than 135, with five half-centuries to his name. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 15 wickets in the format. He has shown noteworthy proficiency in List-A cricket, scoring 986 runs in 30 matches at an outstanding average of 41.08. His List-A record includes two centuries, three fifties, and 33 wickets in 27 innings.