Young cricketer Suryansh Shedge is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his career with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 21-year-old all-rounder believes that playing under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer will ease his transition into the highly competitive tournament.
A November to Remember
November 2024 will always be a milestone month for Shedge. Just a day after making his T20 debut for Mumbai, he was picked up by Punjab Kings in the IPL mega auction. His selection was soon justified as he delivered a stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, scoring an unbeaten 36 off just 15 balls to help Mumbai lift the trophy.
Shedge expressed his excitement about joining Punjab Kings, a franchise known for scouting and investing in young domestic talent.
“If you look at Punjab Kings’ history, they have always backed fresh talent. I am thrilled to be part of the team. Having Shreyas bhaiya as captain makes it even better because I am already familiar with him,” he said.
A Shared Journey with Musheer Khan
Shedge will also reunite with his Mumbai teammate Musheer Khan at Punjab Kings. He recalled the moment both of them were selected in the IPL auction.
“I was on a team bus watching the auction on my phone when I saw Musheer’s name come up. Punjab Kings picked him, and I was about to call him when my name appeared. As soon as Punjab raised the paddle for me, we all celebrated on the bus. The first call I got was from Musheer—we were both thrilled to be playing together again,” he shared.
After receiving the news, Shedge spoke to his parents and was warmly congratulated by his Mumbai teammates, including Iyer, during a team dinner. His teammates even gave him the nickname ‘Punjab da Munda’. Now, he is determined to make an impact for the franchise.
“Whatever the team needs, I will be there. I don’t want to have a fixed mindset—I just want to entertain the fans and contribute in every way possible,” he added.
Overcoming Setbacks to Make a Strong Comeback
Shedge’s journey to this stage was not without challenges. A back injury last year temporarily derailed his career, as he was on the verge of breaking into Mumbai’s senior squad. A stress fracture relapse forced him to take a break, and for a while, he feared his cricketing dreams might fade away.
“The first two months were tough. I felt like I was just going through the motions. In a city like Mumbai, where talent is everywhere, I thought I would be forgotten,” he admitted.
However, with support from his family and friends, Shedge regained his self-belief. He focused on strength training and worked on enhancing his power-hitting abilities. His hard work paid off when he made a remarkable comeback, scoring three centuries in three matches. This earned him a spot in the U-23 squad, where he played a match-winning knock of 168 runs, leading to his selection in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team.
Learning from Ricky Ponting and Eyeing the IPL Trophy
Now, with his domestic performances catching the eye, Shedge is eager to contribute to Punjab Kings and learn from head coach Ricky Ponting.
“Ricky Ponting is a legend. Even after retirement, he continues to give back to cricket. He has been part of the IPL for many years and understands the game inside out. Australians are known for their fearless approach, and he embodies that spirit. We are hopeful that under his guidance, we can lift the trophy this year,” Shedge concluded.
As Punjab Kings aim for IPL glory, Suryansh Shedge is ready to prove his worth on the big stage and make his mark in the world’s most competitive T20 league.
