“I’m close now and knocking on the door”- Punjab Kings’ star hopeful on maiden India call-up

Shashank Singh, 33, has performed well for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the last two seasons and is hoping for his first India call-up. Shashank scored 350 runs in 17 matches this year, averaging 50 and striking at a rate of 153.51.

He played an important role in Punjab Kings return to the IPL final after missing out in 2014.

Being a finisher in T20 cricket is difficult since the pressure is tremendous and there isn’t always enough time to adjust to the surface’s characteristics. Shashank, on the other hand, has demonstrated remarkable consistency in his job as PBKS’s finishing specialist. In the previous two years, he has helped PBKS get through some difficult times.

When asked about the tremendous rivalry in Indian cricket and his desire to wear the national jersey, Shashank stated that he is always striving to develop his game without regard for what others are doing. He believes he is extremely close to being called up.

“I focus on competing with myself. When I measure myself against my own standards, there’s no limit to what I can achieve. I let my performances, abilities, and match-winning impacts speak for why I should be in the Indian team, rather than comparing myself to others,” Shashank said while speaking to Sports Today.

“Playing for India has been my dream since I started professional cricket—back in my under-16 and under-19 days, when my father gave me my first bag to play. Yes, I’m close now and knocking on the door, but when the opportunity comes, I don’t know. I’m not afraid of competition. I’ve proven myself in cricket, and I believe the right moment will come when skill and luck align, and the selectors see me as the right fit. One thing I can assure is that I will be there,” the right-handed batter added.