'We'll Play at Chinnaswamy on May 31 and Lift the Cup': Shashank Singh Backs Punjab Kings for IPL 2026 Title

Punjab Kings finisher Shashank Singh has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of IPL 2026, declaring his side will go one step further after last season's heartbreak and claim their maiden IPL trophy.

Shashank Sets the Stage

Punjab Kings middle-order batter Shashank Singh has come out swinging ahead of the IPL 2026 season, making a bold prediction that his side will win the tournament and lift the coveted trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 31.

Speaking at the JioStar Press Room ahead of the season opener, the 34-year-old finisher left little room for doubt. "I know that on May 31st, we will be playing at the Chinnaswamy and lifting the cup. It's not just a feeling, I know this. This will happen," he said.

Heartbreak Fuels Hunger

Punjab Kings had ended a decade-long wait to reach the final last year, only to lose by six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a closely fought title clash. That narrow defeat, rather than deflating the squad, appears to have sharpened their resolve heading into the new campaign.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, topping the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches before progressing through the playoffs to book a place in the final. The franchise now returns with its core largely intact and a point to prove.

Team Belief, Not Just Talk

Shashank was emphatic that the confidence is not one-sided — it runs through the entire dressing room. "It's the self-belief and team belief. Everyone is on the same page. There is confidence in everyone," he said.

Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the franchise has retained 21 players from the previous season, bringing stability and a strong understanding among the players. That continuity, Shashank believes, gives PBKS an edge over rivals this time around.

Match-by-Match Approach

Despite his bold title prediction, Shashank was careful to stress that complacency will have no place in their campaign. "We will take it match by match because the ultimate aim is to get a trophy. If we keep thinking we reached the final last year, there will be a lot of pressure on us. So our immediate aim is to prepare for our first game against GT, then against CSK and KKR," he added.

The approach reflects a maturity that PBKS fans will hope translates into results on the field.

Finisher's Role Crystal Clear

On a personal level, Shashank enters IPL 2026 having recovered from a difficult year off the field. A spate of injuries, including a shoulder issue and finger fracture, kept him away from competitive cricket for a large part of the domestic season.

He has, however, made peace with his identity in the side. "It's important to love the role. Earlier, I also used to think I was a top-order batter and I had been thrown down the order. But then I fell in love with the role. The most important thing to prosper in this role is to get the backing of the team management and dressing room because you need freedom to play high-risk cricket," he said.

Team Over Personal Glory

Shashank was candid about where his priorities lie this season. "My biggest goal is to make an impact for the team. Individual goals will be secondary because I want the team to win and I want a photo with the cup," he said.

For Shashank, IPL 2026 is also about reclaiming lost ground after injuries disrupted his preparations, with the mental aspect of the game taking precedence over technical drills ahead of the season.

Young Guns and the Road Ahead

Shashank also addressed the burden of expectation that falls on PBKS youngsters Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who shone brightly in 2025. "It won't be difficult but teams will be better prepared and there will be pressure of performance this year. We all know what IPL is. There will be expectation from them," he said.

He drew on his own experience of backing up a breakthrough season. "Like last year for me, I didn't want to be a one-year wonder. Those who do well in one season, their second season becomes really important because every team is planning for us," he noted.

Punjab Kings open their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh, with the final scheduled for May 31 — the very date Shashank Singh has circled as his moment of destiny.