Punjab Kings find Indian pinch hitters in Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma

Ahmedabad: Punjab Kings might not have got the chance to lay their hands on the Indian Premier League in the past 16 seasons, but they have always been among the top franchises in terms of unearthing new talents. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma on Thursday became the latest on the list.

While Shashank hammered an unbeaten 61 off 29 balls, Ashutosh’s contribution of 31 runs in 17 balls helped Punjab Kings register a sensational comeback win over the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The two rising stars backed themselves and led the charge, scripting a last-over win while chasing 200. It was also Punjab Kings’ second win in four games.

“I visualised moments like this. But turning it into reality, I am really happy and proud of myself,” Shashank, the 32-year-old batting all-rounder 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.