“They treat Yuzvendra Chahal and our bus driver the same” - Shashank Singh opens up PBKS team environment in IPL 2025

Punjab Kings middle-order batter Shashank Singh has opened up on the franchise’s team environment, which propelled them to the pole position in the latest standings after defeating the Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday, May 26.

Advertisment

Notably, PBKS made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after bagging a handsome seven-wicket win over the Mumbai-based franchise, ending the league stage with 19 points, amassing nine wins from 14 games.

Shashank, who was retained by the PBKS franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, praised the franchise’s head coach, Ricky Ponting, and skipper Shreyas Iyer for changing the team’s culture and dressing room environment.

The finisher revealed how Ponting and Iyer wanted each and every team member and support staff to be treated with equal respect before the start of the season. He also stressed on how the duo maintained their word.

Advertisment

“Day 1, Ricky Ponting and Shreyas both told us. Like, they will treat Yuzvendra Chahal, maybe the most senior player, and our bus driver the same. I mean, this is something and they have maintained this,” said Shashank at the post-match press conference in Jaipur.

“They have shown the same respect to Yuzvendra Chahal and to our bus driver, which says a lot about the team,” he added.

“He has changed the team culture. He has changed our mindset. He has changed our beliefs. So, all those things, the credit has to be to him. Because, obviously, he is the one who changed our perspective towards the game. Culture, what I said. Caring about each other. Respecting each other. I mean, it’s very easy to say all these things,” he concluded. 

Advertisment

Earlier, Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting were part of the Delhi Capitals franchise, propelling them to the final for the first time in 2020.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!