'They asked if I even played cricket?’ – Shashank Singh reveals pain behind trolls and journey to redemption after IPL auction mix-up [Exclusive]

Punjab Kings' middle-order batter Shashank Singh opened up about the mistaken identity incident during the IPL auction. While the franchise issued a clarification later, the damage was done. Reflecting on the episode, Shashank admitted that it certainly affected him as many people targeted him on social media with a barrage of memes while some even questioned whether he even played cricket.

Shashank revealed that while he considered it the best opportunity of his career, the situation was also deeply hurtful and took a toll on him. He acknowledged that social media trolling made things tougher, but credited himself for handling the challenge professionally and rising to the challenge to establish himself as a key member of the Punjab-based franchise.

Notably, he was one of the only two players alongside Arshdeep Singh whom Punjab Kings retained before IPL 2025 mega auction. 

Excerpt from the interview

How did the auction drama (the mistaken identity confusion) affect you mentally? Did it motivate you to prove yourself even more?

To be very honest, till now I always used to say that it didn't affect me much. Because obviously, I didn't know anything about it. I used to say that I wanted to play cricket. But obviously, you are asking me now, and I am telling you the truth, that yes, it did affect me. I mean, in India, the social media fans are so crazy and passionate about sports. So these are things which are bound to happen. 

I still remember when the auction was done, people were asking me, 'Do you really play cricket?' I don't know how my number got viral, but I used to get calls asking 'Do you play cricket, or do you play for the time pass?'

Was it hurtful? I won't say it wasn't hurtful. But again, I always believed that I was the best. I knew that I deserved this place. I have performed here, and I can give it to the game of cricket. So, I had faith in that. But yes, it was hurtful.

I still remember that there was a lot of trolling on Instagram and social media, and again, after my first IPL match in Punjab, I think I got out on zero against the Delhi Capitals. So, there were so many memes. My sister used to tell me not to open Instagram. But again, I am a human being. I see these things. Sometimes these things affect me. I used to feel bad. 

But again, I was mentally very tough. I used to believe. I know that I have the capability to perform at the highest level. So why shouldn't I do it? So it was hurtful. But again, if something like this had happened when I was 18 or 19 years old, I would have gone very low. But I think when it happened, I was a mature person. And I think I came back very strongly.