Ricky Ponting was visibly furious with Shashank Singh’s fielding during Punjab Kings’ 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash on Sunday, April 19 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Shashank put down two catches and was guilty of a few lapses in the field, prompting Ponting to vent his frustration from the dugout.
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However, once PBKS sealed the win, the mood shifted. Ponting was seen embracing Shashank as the Punjab players celebrated, bringing a warm end to an otherwise tense episode.
With the victory, Punjab Kings strengthened their grip at the top of the table. They remain unbeaten, with five wins from six matches, collecting 11 points and a net run rate of +1.420.
HOW SHASHANK SINGH STRUGGLED
Shashank Singh had a tough day in the field, with several costly mistakes taking the shine off an otherwise strong outing by Punjab Kings. The trouble began when he dropped a high chance off Nicholas Pooran, misjudging the ball in the air and only getting a slight touch before it hit the ground.
The issues continued in the 18th over. Shashank again got his judgement wrong, letting a catchable ball go over him for six off Aiden Markram. The moment clearly frustrated Ricky Ponting in the dugout, as it seemed the fielder completely lost track of the ball.
Things got worse in the penultimate over when Shashank dropped Mukul Choudhary after getting both hands to the ball but failing to hold on. While captain Shreyas Iyer managed a smile, Ponting’s reaction showed how serious the mistakes were. Despite the win, it was a fielding effort Shashank would want to move on from quickly.
Shashank, however, chipped in with a brisk cameo of 17 off just six balls, striking one four and a six to help Punjab Kings cross the 250-run mark. Defending 254, PBKS then restricted the Super Giants to 200 for five, continuing their impressive run in the tournament.
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