“Still Haunts Me”: Shashank Singh Opens Up on Missed Opportunity in IPL 2025 Final Thriller

In the high-octane world of IPL cricket, few moments sting like the ones that almost turned into glory. Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh came heartbreakingly close to scripting one of the greatest chases in IPL history, but fate had other plans. Now, days after RCB’s maiden title win, the 32-year-old batter has finally spoken out about the dramatic final over, the pressure, the missed shot—and the regret that continues to haunt him.

---

Punjab Kings’ Brave Chase Falls Just Short

With over 90,000 fans cheering every run, the stage was set for a nail-biting finish between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Chasing a challenging target of 190 runs, PBKS had their backs against the wall when the required rate soared in the death overs. What followed was a jaw-dropping display of clean striking and calm nerves under pressure.

---

A Knock for the Ages: 61 Off 30 Balls

Shashank Singh almost turned into an overnight legend. He launched a brutal counter-attack against a world-class bowling lineup that included Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, and Josh Hazlewood. His quickfire 61 off just 30 deliveries gave PBKS a glimmer of hope when all seemed lost.

Singh’s innings was laced with 4 boundaries and 5 massive sixes, including a flicked six over fine leg that had even opposition players applauding. As the game boiled down to the final over with 12 needed off 6 balls, Shashank was still on strike, and fans believed the miracle was within reach.

---

The Turning Point: One Ball, One Regret

Unfortunately, that miracle never arrived. With 7 runs required off the last 3 balls, Hazlewood bowled a low full toss—a delivery most batters dream of in a high-pressure situation. But Shashank failed to connect cleanly. Instead of going for the boundary, he managed just a single.

“I saw it coming. A full toss at that moment felt like a gift,” Shashank recalled in a recent interview.
“But my execution failed me. I replay that shot in my mind every night—it’s the one moment that still haunts me.”

PBKS eventually fell short by 6 runs, handing RCB their first-ever IPL title after 18 seasons of heartbreaks.

---

Shashank Singh: From Underdog to Fan Favourite

His passionate innings and visible heartbreak won over millions. Social media flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #JusticeForShashank and #PBKSHeartbreak trending post-match.

He’s no stranger to struggle. After years of being overlooked in auctions, warming benches, and playing domestic cricket away from the spotlight, 2025 turned out to be Singh’s breakthrough season.

“For someone who waited years for an opportunity like this, he made every ball count,” said PBKS coach Trevor Bayliss.
“We’re proud of him, final result aside.”

---

Mental Aftermath: Coping With ‘What Ifs’

In a heartfelt chat with a local broadcaster, Shashank admitted that moving on from the loss has not been easy. The image of that missed full toss continues to play in his mind, casting shadows on the celebration that could’ve been.

“It’s the fine margins that make this game so cruel,” he said.
“People will remember RCB’s win, and rightly so, but for me—it’s about the ball I didn’t hit.”

He also revealed he has been speaking with a sports psychologist to process the moment and learn from it.

---

Support From the Cricketing World

Several Indian cricketers and analysts have reached out to Singh, praising his temperament and resilience.

• Virat Kohli, RCB’s talisman, reportedly messaged Shashank post-match: “You gave us a real scare. ”
• Sunil Gavaskar, in his post-match analysis, hailed Singh’s innings as one of the most underappreciated of the tournament.
• Harbhajan Singh tweeted, “Finals are won and lost, but players like Shashank win hearts. Respect!”

Conclusion: One Shot, a Lifetime of Lessons

In a world that often only remembers the winners, Singh has managed to etch his name in fans’ memories—not for what he won, but for how fiercely he fought.

As IPL fans look forward to the next season, they’ll remember Shashank not just for a heartbreaking miss—but for carrying an entire team’s hopes and almost rewriting history with his bat.

Join Sports Samachaar for all things cricket and never miss a moment of the action!