![Ricky Ponting and Shashank Singh [Source: X and Screengrabs]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777385491220_RickyPontingandShashankSingh.jpg?type=hq)
Ricky Ponting and Shashank Singh [Source: X and Screengrabs]
In a recent development, the Punjab Kings have dropped Shashank Singh from their Playing XI for the PBKS vs RR IPL match on April 28. Shashank, who has been one of the strong pillars for PBKS since IPL 2024, was let go for unknown reasons.
Suryansh Shedge came in place of Shashank Singh as announced by the PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer at the toss. This was not something unexpected. Although Shashank had been a strong presence with his all-rounder abilities, his fielding woes have troubled Punjab if not made them lose a match.
Shashank Singh and the Dropped Catch Woes
Shashank has been one of the most worrisome fielders for Punjab Kings in recent times. While Shashank continued his strong batting form into the IPL 2026 season, his fielding took a dramatic turn, causing significant frustration in the Punjab Kings camp.
In the match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, Shashank dropped three catches in the outfield that almost left the skipper Shreyas Iyer as well as coach Ricky Ponting in shock.
Soon after, in their next match on April 25 against the Delhi Capitals, Shashank again dropped a simple catch of KL Rahul inside the powerplay, and later, the team posted a total of 264 runs on the back of KL Rahul's 150-plus score.
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This halted the momentum for the Punjab Kings due to his costly fielding slips. Ricky Ponting, the coach, has also pointed out these mistakes after the match as he shared that they will look into the team's fielding standards very soon, hinting at a possible dropout for Shashank Singh in the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match.
Netizens Fuel Catch Drop Punishment Rumours
Adding fuel to this rumour of catch-drop punishment for Singh, the internet suggested that he might have been dropped due to his poor fielding standards in the last two matches.
While there has been no official confirmed news on the reason for the dropping of Singh in PBKS vs RR, one of the primary reasons could be his poor efforts on the field.
Let's take a look at how the internet reacted to Shashank Singh being dropped:
Was Dropping Shashank Necessary for Ricky Ponting & Co.?
Dropping Shashank might not be the best decision that Ricky Ponting and Co. could have made, since he has been a solid pillar for the team in IPL 2026 so far.
In fact, bringing in a much less experienced Suryansh Shedge in place of Shashank in PBKS vs RR match could possibly alter team dynamics that have so far been on point, as Punjab Kings stay an unbeaten side.
Except for an abandoned match against Kolkata Knight Riders during the first leg of the tournament, Punjab have so far remained unbeaten, winning almost every match against every opponent they have played.
Also Read- Big Call On Travis Head? SRH Strongest Playing XI vs MI, IPL 2026, Match 41
Shashank Singh in IPL 2026 So Far
Shashank boasts an average of 35.00 in IPL 2026, while having a massive strike rate of 194.44. He has been crucial in the middle to lower-middle order section.
After opponents hole out the top order completely, Shashank's batting prowess comes in handy. Hence, whether it was an intelligent decision or not, only time will tell.
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