IPL 2026, PBKS vs SRH Today Match: Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Shashank Singh endured another disappointing outing on the field after dropping a crucial catch of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Heinrich Klaasen during Match 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The dropped chance came in the 8.4th over of SRH’s innings when Yuzvendra Chahal induced a mistimed shot from Klaasen. Positioned at backward square leg, Shashank failed to hold on to what appeared to be a straightforward opportunity.
PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, who was speaking to the broadcasters during the innings break, reacted to the missed opportunity with a light-hearted remark. “Poor Shashank Singh, it seems the ball is flying everywhere he’s going,” Ponting said.
Shashank Singh’s struggles in the field continue to be a concern for PBKS in IPL 2026. The middle-order batter has taken only three catches from nine opportunities and has dropped six chances this season.
One of his most notable mistakes came earlier in the tournament against Delhi Capitals, when he dropped KL Rahul early in the innings. Rahul went on to score an unbeaten 152, the highest individual score by an Indian batter in IPL history.
Despite his struggles in the field, Shashank has contributed valuable runs lower down the order for PBKS. The right-handed batter has scored 70 runs at a strike rate of 194.44 and has played a few important finishing knocks for the franchise this season.
Interestingly, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer had earlier left Shashank out of the playing XI against Rajasthan Royals, citing injury concerns. At the toss, Iyer said Suryansh Shedge replaced Shashank, while Lockie Ferguson came in for Xavier Bartlett.
The omission sparked debate among fans and experts, who questioned whether the decision was driven solely by injury concerns or also by Shashank’s inconsistent fielding this season.
Shashank returned to the side for the clash against SRH, but his fielding struggles once again came under scrutiny during a crucial phase of the tournament.
PBKS also dropped two more catches and missed a stumping opportunity during SRH’s innings in the match.
