Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings teammate confirms his participation in T20 World Cup 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh, who is yet to earn his maiden international call-up, has made a bold statement regarding his selection for the India cricket team. Shashank predicted that he would represent Team India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The right-handed batter began his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, his breakthrough came with the Punjab Kings, where he delivered consistent performances during the 2024 IPL season. The middle-order batter was retained alongside Prabhsimran Singh ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

I'll Be Playing the T20 World Cup 2026 in India - Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh stated that he will feature for Team India in the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The right-hander stated it will happen, despite being unsure how the opportunity will come.

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“One prediction I have and that is in the upcoming (T20) World Cup in India, I’ll be playing, and I’ll be winning games for the team. I don’t know how that will happen, but I surely believe that it will happen," Shashank told ESPN Cricinfo.

Shashank faced heavy social media trolling following a mistaken identity mix-up during the IPL 2024 auction. Two players named Shashank Singh went under the hammer, leading to uncertainty over which one Punjab Kings had bid for. The team clarified that their intended player was the correct one.

Suryakumar Yadav Is the Captain of the Indian Team - Punjab Kings star Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh, who is 33 years old, stated that age is no barrier to playing for India. He cited Suryakumar Yadav, who debuted at 30 and is now India’s T20I captain, and Pravin Tambe, who made his IPL debut at 41, as examples of players achieving success later in their careers.

“Surya hit Jofra (Archer) for six in his first match (innings), and now he’s the captain of the Indian team," he said. “Then there’s Pravin Tambe. He didn’t play for India, but at the age of 41, he debuted in IPL. Can you imagine that!"

Shashank had a stellar season for Punjab in 2024, scoring 354 runs at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65 across 14 matches. He continued his strong form in IPL 2025, amassing 350 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.50 in 17 games, helping PBKS secure the runner-up spot.

Shreyas Singh Is At a Different Level Altogether - Shashank Singh

Shashank heaped praise on Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, calling him a standout leader with a unique mindset. He also lauded coach Ricky Ponting for simplifying cricket, making complex aspects of the game easier for players to understand and execute effectively.

“Shreyas is at a different level altogether," Shashank said. “He has his own aura, a different mindset altogether. Won’t talk rubbish, won’t tolerate rubbish. When he bats in the nets, he knows what he is doing. If someone asks me, ‘Who is the best captain you have played under?’ Hands down, Shreyas Iyer."

“And then Ricky sir. He has made the game very simple. Cricket can be a complicated sport at times. If you ask a batsman, the leg shouldn’t go across, and the head shouldn’t fall, but Ricky sir has simplified the game brilliantly."

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