Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer - (Source: AFP)Punjab Kings batter Prabhsimran Singh is enjoying the best phase of his life. The right-handed batter earned his maiden India call-up and will travel to Zimbabwe with the Indian team for a three-match T20I series where he will play under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, something he is faimilar with at PBKS.Prabhsimran’s call-up stirred up a massive controversy because the right-handed batter replaced Sanju Samson in the squad. The 25-year-old has been consistent with his batting for the past two years and has finally been rewarded for his efforts.Prabhsimran Singh Credits Ricky Ponting, Yuvraj Singh Other Than Shreyas IyerAfter his India selection, the Punjab Kings batter credited Ricky Ponting for his call-up. Notably, the Australia legend is the head coach of Punjab Kings and has worked closely with the 25-year-old.“Ricky sir has contributed a lot to my success. He was the one who called and told me about my retention (in 2024). He told me that he would make me a better player, and he did,” Prabhsimran remarked.Not just Ponting, but Singh also credited his mentor Yuvraj Singh for his constant coaching and suggestions that improved his game."I have not had a session with Yuvi paaji post the IPL, but I did call him after the India selection. It was a long phone call. He shared his experience of playing at the highest level. He always tells me to stay one step ahead of the bowler," said Prabhsimran speaking to PTI.Also Read: R Ashwin Hilariously Imitates Sanju Samson To Roast BCCI Selectors"When you see the results, you want to keep learning from him. I am thankful to both Yuvi paaji and Ricky sir," said Prabhsimran Singh, who duly acknowledges the immense role IPL and his franchise PBKS have played in his growth.Interestingly, Prabhsimran Singh played a lot under Shreyas Iyer, but had more to speak for his coaches than the captain. It is given that he shares a great bond with the India's T20I captain, which would also have played a big part when the squad for Zimbabwe series was being picked.Prabhsimran Singh’s Performance Since IPL 2025Prabhsimran Singh’s journey has been filled with a lot of hardships. The PBKS opener rose to fame during IPL 2023, when he scored 358 runs in 14 innings. However, Singh really started to make a mark in IPL 2025 when he breached the 500-run mark for the 1st time.Since IPL 2025, Prabhsimran Singh has had two consecutive 500+ run seasons. The IPL 2026 heroics helped the 25-year-old earn India A selection and travelled to Sri Lanka for the tri-series.Singh scored 97 runs in 3 innings, averaging 32.33. Now, his India selection is the perfect opportunity for the keeper-batter to impress the selectors and throw his name in the hat of probables for the 2028 T20 World Cup.Prabhsimran Singh On Facing Competition From Vaibhav SooryavanshiPrabhsimran Singh also reflected on facing competition from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is making waves for his heroics with the bat at the tender age of 15. Singh hailed the prodigy and remarked that he is awaiting his chance to impress."I don't see it as competition. I want Vaibhav to do well because he's a very good player. Everyone's time comes. Whenever I get my chance, I'll try to make the most of it," he said.For the unversed, Prabhsimran Singh was part of India's gold medal-winning squad at the 2022 Asian Games but did not get a game.Also Read: Sanju Samson Withdraws From Marquee Tournament After Zimbabwe Tour Snub
