A memorable upset turned out to be a run of luck for Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL 2024 mini-auction in Dubai. During the fast-paced accelerated round on December 19, 2023, PBKS made a successful bid of ₹20 lakh for uncapped all-rounder Shashank Singh (Chhattisgarh). Shortly after, co-owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia looked confused, and tried to clear things up by talking to auctioneer Mallika Sagar, as there were two players named Shashank Singh in the pool—one of whom had previously remained unsold.
The franchise tried to withdraw the bid, but IPL rules are strict: once the hammer falls, bids are final and irrevocable, ensuring fairness. PBKS immediately clarified that the Shashank they had acquired—an experienced domestic player who had played for Sunrisers Hyderabad—was always their target, and cited the similar names as the reason for their hesitation.
What happened next proved the right purchase. In IPL 2024, 32-year-old Shashank emerged as a big surprise, scoring 423 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.40 and a strike rate of 164.20, often as a finisher. His unbeaten knock of 61 off 29 balls in a thrilling win against Gujarat Titans helped them chase the 200-run target, and he was praised for remaining calm under pressure.
Shashank himself responded positively on social media, and his performance made him one of the main players of PBKS. He was retained ahead of the next season, proving that being a player bought “accidentally” was no mistake.
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction begins in Abu Dhabi today (December 16, 2025), this story serves as a reminder to franchises of the fast pace of the auction—and how confusion can yield unexpected match-winners.
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