On Thursday, the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) attempted to reach the target record of 200 runs for the sixth time. Uncapped Indian Shashank Singh amassed 61 runs in an unbroken inning during this chase. Shashank represents Chhattisgarh in domestic cricket, while his father works as an IPS officer in Madhya Pradesh's main city of Bhopal.

During a special interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Shashank shared that his father had always wanted him to be a cricket player. When he was younger, Papa built a turf field in his backyard and taught me how to play cricket. He also used to practice bowling. Tell us how Shashank responded to Bhaskar's inquiries.

Question: How much support did your father, an IPS officer, provide for cricket?
To answer your question, my father always wanted me to represent my nation in cricket. Papa used to bowl me with a plastic ball when he was a senior SP. Later on, this turned into my dream, and I'm grateful that my family supported me. My father, sister, and mother have always encouraged me.

In professional cricket, his family would often provide support when he failed to score runs. He answered, "I'll do it; put in the effort; you can do it." My family and Papa have great faith in me. I am fortunate to have had family support, as many players do not.

My father was assigned to Bhopal when I was in the 9th or 10th grade. When I first started playing cricket, my father forced me to play tennis and bowl with plastic balls, which helped me become a better batsman. Father had a turf pitch created at home when he was posted to Jabalpur. Senior fast bowlers used to practice here as well; they had the benefit of batting first and were relieved of their anxiety while facing fast bowlers from within.

After the game, what conversation did you have with your father?
Answer: Papa enjoys watching cricket and has played college-level cricket. He also continues to watch YouTube videos of previous bouts. He frequently tells me that watching more and more cricket videos will help me get better too. Papa noted that some shots may have been played better after the game.

Although he was pleased with some of my shots in the match against Gujarat, Papa is never delighted with my innings. After every game, I speak with him, and he always gives me advice. Always discuss shots and fitness with him. Knowing how much water you have is crucial. Since there's always space for growth in cricket, I enjoy having conversations with my dad.

Question: Although you joined IPL teams in 2017, you didn't play until 2022. When you didn't receive many matches, how did you handle yourself?
Answer: After playing in the IPL for two years with Rajasthan, I later joined the Delhi Daredevils (now the Delhi Capitals). For the entire three years, I was left out of the starting eleven. He used to sit out 40–45 days per season without playing. In a circumstance like this, one begins to doubt himself since it appears they lack the skills necessary to compete at the IPL level.

To be quite honest, I too had doubts about my ability to compete at such a high level. But if a player is given the opportunity to play in the starting lineup today, they should understand that being left out does not imply that they lack skill. The composition of the team makes him unfit. As of right now, if I'm in the starting lineup and another guy is sitting outside, it simply indicates that he has the talent but needs to wait for the appropriate moment.

Having ties to IPL teams also provides experience. Just practicing with the team's several international players may teach one a lot. Brian Lara, sir, supported me during my ten matches at SRH. I batted well, and he enjoyed it. He had an injury the previous year as well, but Punjab supported him this year by giving him a chance in the starting lineup.

Receiving an opportunity to play in my debut game as a domestic player was significant to me. We're with you, Shikhar Dhawan said; just play the way you naturally do. I followed suit and helped my team triumph.
Question: You started playing cricket in Mumbai, although your father is from Madhya Pradesh. You played from Puducherry as well; why was it necessary to switch states so frequently?
My father was posted in Bhilai at the time I was born. I represented Madhya Pradesh in the Under-15 and Under-17 age groups for cricket. MP and CG then had a single team. After that, Papa was moved to Mumbai, where there were a lot of gifted athletes. Then I understood that I needed to get much better.

I played for Mumbai's white-ball cricket team but was unable to participate in the Ranji Trophy. Proficient athletes such as Suryakumar, Shivam Dubey, Abhishek Nair, and Shreyas Iyer were present. He had a hard time getting a chance in first-class cricket. That's why I traveled to Chhattisgarh. Many thanks to Rajesh Sir, the CGCA Secretary. Abhay Kuruvilla, sir, was also a big help during the DY Patil competition.
In cricket, who do you think is the ideal player?
Answer: I've dreamed of playing for Team India ever since I began playing cricket. I really enjoy AB de Villiers' style of play. Team India has only won once; therefore, selection is still tough. The encounter against SRH is currently the center of attention.

Question: The Punjab Kings claimed to have purchased the incorrect Shashank Singh during the auction. How did you respond to this?
Response: I received a call from Sanjay Bangar Sir, the director of Punjab Kings, the very day after the sale. He said, "You were on our list from the start; we are glad to have you join the team and wanted to take you exclusively." The team has consistently shown faith in domestic cricket players, and I am appreciative that they offered me an opportunity.

Shashank Singh, a young IPL star, was interviewed. The father of IPS started playing cricket from Bhopal and had a pitch created at home.