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Punjab Kings are riding a wave of redemption this season. After a decade-long drought, they’ve not only secured a playoff berth but also topped the IPL 2025 table with one league game to spare.
Under the leadership of Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, the team has made headlines for its tactical acumen and fresh energy. But this week, a post-match comment intended to highlight PBKS’ egalitarian team culture was twisted into controversy.
At the centre of it all is Shashank Singh, the 33-year-old uncapped batter and designated finisher, who credited Ponting and Iyer for building a respectful, tightly-knit unit. Unfortunately, his praise sparked online outrage after a snippet from his media interaction went viral, with many alleging that the team had ‘treated Yuzvendra Chahal like a bus driver.’
What Shashank Actually Said:
The quote in question was part of a larger answer about PBKS' dressing room values and inclusive atmosphere.
“From Day 1, Ricky and Shreyas both told us they will treat Yuzi Chahal, the most senior player, and our bus driver the same... They have given the same respect to Yuzi Chahal and to our bus driver. So, this says a lot about the team,” Shashank told reporters after PBKS’ win over Mumbai Indians.
Rather than diminishing Chahal’s stature, the comment was a clear endorsement of PBKS’ internal culture, one where everyone, from senior internationals to support staff, is treated with equal dignity.
It was meant to showcase the humility and togetherness fostered under Ponting’s leadership, not equate Chahal’s cricketing achievements with someone’s job title.
How Social Media Twisted It:
Within hours, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with posts claiming PBKS had insulted Chahal by likening him to a bus driver.
Outrage followed, despite the quote being publicly available in full context. Some users called the remark ‘disrespectful,’ while others accused Shashank of undermining a senior India international player.
But fans, former players, and commentators were quick to defend Shashank. Many pointed out that the entire narrative was a textbook case of a well-meaning quote being taken out of context to stir unnecessary controversy.
A Culture Shift Years in the Making
PBKS’ transformation didn’t happen overnight. After a string of underwhelming seasons, the franchise hit reset ahead of the 2025 mega auction, retaining only two players and bringing in Ricky Ponting as head coach. One of his first moves was to buy Shreyas Iyer and hand him the captaincy.
That gamble has paid off handsomely. Iyer has not only brought tactical consistency but also championed a player-first culture. Ponting, meanwhile, has been widely credited for instilling belief in a new-look squad.
“By far, the best team coach I’ve ever played under,” said Shashank. “He changed our mindset, our culture, and made us believe in each other.”
Meanwhile, having already sealed their place in Qualifier 1, PBKS will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, May 30, with a direct spot in the final up for grabs. RCB, despite matching PBKS’ 19 points, finished second due to a lower net run rate.
