The IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai witnessed a perplexing moment involving Punjab Kings and a player named Shashank Singh. Initially, there was confusion when Punjab Kings bid successfully for Shashank Singh, an all-rounder from Chhattisgarh, and then seemed to indicate they didn't want the player.
This led to a brief moment of confusion at the auction table, with signals being exchanged and a discussion with the auctioneer, Mallika Sagar.
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The franchise later clarified that it was a case of mistaken identity, as there were two players with the name Shashank Singh in the auction. The Punjab Kings clarified that the Shashank Singh they had bought was always on their target list, and the confusion arose due to the presence of another player with the same name.
🚨 Official Update 🚨
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 20, 2023
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.
The Shashank Singh they acquired is known for his unique record in domestic ODIs, having scored 150 runs and taken 5 wickets in a match for Chhattisgarh against Manipur in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023.
He had also played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad previously, unlike the other Shashank SIngh, who is yet to play in the IPL.
Post-auction, the Punjab Kings seem content with their selections. Their most expensive buy was Indian pacer Harshal Patel, acquired for Rs. 11.75 crore. Harshal Patel, known for winning the Purple Cap with 32 wickets in IPL 2021, brings extensive domestic and international experience.
Punjab Kings clarify their stance on Shashank Singh
“Two players of similar names on the IPL list created confusion. I am delighted to share that the right Shashank Singh has been onboarded. He has put out some noteworthy performances, and we're ready to unleash his talent,” Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon clarified as posted by the official Twitter handle.
Other notable acquisitions include Rilee Rossouw, a South African international with a flair for match-winning knocks, and Chris Woakes, an English pace-bowling all-rounder with achievements in T20 and ODI World Cups.
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The franchise also picked up some promising talents like Ashutosh Sharma, known for scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match, and Vishwanath Pratap Singh, a promising talent from Punjab.
Overall, Punjab Kings have filled their squad of 25 players, including eight overseas players, aiming to bolster their team with a blend of experienced internationals and exciting domestic talents.
The complete Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2024 includes Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Rilee Rossouw, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, and others. They ended the auction with Rs. 4.15 crore unspent, one of the higher amounts among IPL team
