Uncapped Indian cricketer makes it to the Top 10 list of most searched athletes on Google in 2024
Uncapped Indian batter Shashank Singh is a surprise entry in the Top 10 list of most searched athletes on Google in 2024. The list includes two Indian cricketers - all-rounder Hardik Pandya at No. 7 and Shashank at No. 9.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif tops the list of most searched athletes on Google in 2024. He's followed by Mike Tyson, Lamine Yamal, Simone Biles and Jake Paul. Spanish footballers Nico Williams and Rodri and American golfer Scottie Scheffler are also part of the list released by Google.
Shashank (33) grabbed the headlines after being purchased by Punjab Kings at the IPL 2024 auction. There was some confusion over his purchase as two players with the same name were up for grabs and PBKS felt that they had picked the wrong player. A video of the incident went viral on social media, but Punjab Kings later clarified that they had indeed bought the Shashank they were after.
The right-handed batter repaid the faith placed in him with some stunning knocks in IPL 2024. Even as Punjab Kings finished a disappointing ninth in the points table, winning five of 14 games, Shashank clobbered 354 runs at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. The uncapped Indian batter slammed two half-centuries, hitting 28 fours and 21 sixes.
The Chhattisgarh cricketer smashed an incredible 68* off 28 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He struck two fours and as many as eight sixes as Punjab Kings chased down a target of 262 in 18.4 overs. Shashank was also named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 61 off 29 against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad as PBKS chased down 200 in 19.5 overs.
Shashank Singh was among the two uncapped Indian players retained by PBKS for IPL 2025
Shashank was rewarded for his batting heroics by the Punjab Kings franchise. He was one of only two players retained by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 33-year-old was retained for ₹5.5 crore. Prabhsimran Singh (₹4 crore) was the only other player retained by the franchise.
Looking at his T20 career, Shashank has played 74 matches and has scored 1,180 runs at an average of 24.08 and a strike rate of 143.03. The part-time off-spinner has also picked up 20 wickets at an average of 26.95 and an economy rate of 8.42, with a best of 3-4.