RR vs PBKS: MS Dhoni mentioned as Harbhajan Singh backs Shashank Singh's India selection ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Harbhajan Singh has singled out Shashank Singh as a potential candidate for the Indian cricket team in the ongoing IPL 2024. He stressed that age should not be a barrier for a talented player like Shashank to live their cricketing dreams.

Harbhajan expressed his confidence in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter’s abilities and mentioned that the players often perform at their peak at the age of 32–33. Drawing parallels with his own experience, the former Indian spinner noted that he won the World Cup for India at the age of 33.

Age should not be a barrier to Shashank Singh’s cricketing dreams

He further cited the example of MS Dhoni, who continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at 42, as the commentator stressed that as long as a player maintains fitness levels, they can continue playing cricket well into their 40s.

Notably, the Chhattisgarh batter was wrongly brought by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the auction last year, but he went on to impress one and all with his batting prowess in the ongoing IPL 2024. Shashank is the highest scorer for PBKS with 352 runs in 12 matches at a strike-rate of 168.42 in the ongoing IPL 2024.

However, the franchise yet again failed to make an impact in the tournament. Well, praising Shashank’s batting prowess, Harbhajan said that the 32-year-old right-hander is ready to shine for Team India in international cricket. He urged the Indian selectors to consider Shashank for future series after the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2024.

Harbhajan Singh backs Shashank Singh for India call-up

Harbhajan Singh said on the Star Sports Press Room show: “I would like to pick one name and it’s Shashank Singh. It’s okay if his age is 32-33, but mind you, that’s the age when you play your best game. In fact, I won the World Cup for India at the age of 33. If a guy is fit and fine, he can play till the age of 40-45.

Look at Dhoni, he is 42 and still playing for his franchise in the IPL. All you need to focus on your fitness. By the looks of his batting, Shashank looks a ready product and can play for India if given a chance. It will be great if the selectors see him in any series after the World Cup.”

Shashank will be seen in action on Wednesday, May 15, when the PBKS will take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 65 of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Barasapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Punjab will play their last game in the ongoing IPL 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Notably, PBKS’ stand-in captain Sam Curran will head home after their IPL 2024 clash against RR to join the England team for the T20I series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup. With Shikhar Dhawan also likely missing due to injury, Harshal Patel or Shashank Singh might lead the PBKS against SRH.