Sizzling Shashank owes it to Dhawan-Lara

Punjab Kings’s Shashank Singh celebrates after winning the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Friday. Pic/AFP

Punjab Kings's batting sensation and highest-scorer Shashank Singh may have surprised many by his big-hitting, but it has come as no surprise to himself.

"Before the IPL, my white-ball domestic tournament went well for me. I was pretty sure I had the capability. I had belief in myself. The team environment helped me. Everyone - from the coaches to the domestic and foreign players - supported me. I was sure I'd do well in this IPL," Shashank told mid-may on Sunday.

"Shikkibhai [Shikhar Dhawan] told me a few things about visualisation. I was clearer about where I'd be batting. I met Shikkibhai just before the IPL, at the DY Patil T20 tournament. We played for the same team, got to know him personally and professionally and had discussions about what my role in the IPL would be," he said.

Shikhar Dhawan and Brian Lara

Shashank is PBKS's highest scorer - 263 runs at 65.75 with two fifties. About his season with PBKS, the 32-year-old said: "We have not justified our talent. There were games we could have done well. At IPL, as a professional batsman, you have to bat at any number and be ready for every situation. It's not new to me."

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The confidence-booster for Shashank came two years ago when he was with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He said: "The best thing is to know your game. I got this clarity two years ago when Brian Lara told me about my game - ‘This is the way you bat, and this is the way you should continue and not try to emulate anyone and just because you are batting at No. 7 does not make you a slogger; you are a proper batsman'. When Lara appreciates your batting, it gives you confidence."

The Bhilai-born Shashank remembered his struggles in Mumbai before moving to Chhattisgarh for better opportunities. He said:

"Everyone who plays for Mumbai has struggled. I was playing white-ball cricket for Mumbai, but wanted to play red-ball too. It is just that when I was in Mumbai, there was too much competition. Everyone was doing well. Whenever in Mumbai, I had genuine people supporting me, I am grateful for them. The struggles are helping me now. I worked hard then and now is the time to execute."

Shashank is happy playing for Chhattisgarh but said he'd love to play in the Mumbai Premier League. "When Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy [recently], I was extremely happy," he said.