Shreyas Iyer reveals Ponting chat leading up to Shashank's Abhishek, Head wickets: ‘Ricky asked who I was going to bowl’

Shashank Singh's bowling spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad was the difference as the Punjab Kings all-rounder dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.

Published on: Apr 20, 2026, 15:42:48 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer revealed the game plan behind Shashank Singh's magical spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2026 fixture. The bowling spell was key as PBKS sealed a six-wicket win. SRH's swashbuckling opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, were taking on PBKS bowlers with ease, reaching 105/0 in just six overs. Abhishek was at 66 off 22 balls and Head at 31 off 15 deliveries. Iyer needed a trump card, and in came Shashank Singh for the seventh over. It turned out to be the right decision, as it broke Head, Abhishek's momentum, and Shashank conceded only six runs.

Shashank Singh dismissed SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. (ANI Pic Service)

Then Shashank turned up again to bowl the ninth over with SRH at 120/0. He began the over with a slow delivery, on short length, attacking the stumps. Head tried to go early and ended up mistiming his shot as it went straight down to long-on for a catch. The Aussie opener departed for 38 off 23 balls, a knock that included five fours and a maximum.

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In the third delivery, Shashank struck again, removing Abhishek for 74 off 28 balls, packed with five fours and eight sixes. Receiving a length delivery, wide of off, Abhishek tried to cream it over extra cover for a six, but didn't get enough power. The ball instead went to deep extra cover for a catch.

Shreyas Iyer reveals chat with Shashank Singh and Ricky Ponting

Speaking on JioStar, Iyer said, "After six overs, I straightaway asked for a timeout. Shashank Singh was running around at that time. You have to respect the attitude and characteristics he possesses, because when all the bowlers are being taken for runs, he comes to me directly and asks for an over, ‘Give me an over, I think I can do something here.’"

Recalling his chat with PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, he added, "I didn’t respond to him at that time. Ricky came, started talking and asked who I was going to bowl next, and I said, ‘I think I am going to go with Shashank.’ Ricky said, ‘You take your call, that’s fine.’ The way he bowled his first over, he gave just five or six runs, even though he didn’t get a wicket. But, in the second over, he took two back-to-back wickets and the whole scenario changed."

SRH eventually posted 219/6 in 20 overs. Chasing 220 runs, PBKS reached 223/4 in 18.5 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from Iyer (69*), Priyansh Arya (57) and Prabhsimran Singh (51).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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