The IPL 2026 continues to act as a high-pressure proving ground for young talents, offering a fast route to bigger roles—and, for the standout performers, a chance to catch the eye of national selectors. Punjab Kings middle-order batter Suryansh Shedge found himself at the centre of that conversation after he played a key part in helping his side reach a solid 163/9 against Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
Quick facts
- Player: Suryansh Shedge (Punjab Kings)
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans
- Sunday’s score: Punjab Kings posted 163/9
- Shedge’s knock: 57 runs after a top-order collapse
- Question asked: Shedge’s “race”/personal selection push as a middle-order batter
- His response: Focused on winning the trophy, not individual ambition
- IPL experience this season: Only his second appearance
- Key people mentioned: Coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer
When Shedge was asked about his personal “race” in the IPL—specifically how the competition for batting roles might shape his national selection prospects—he quickly redirected the focus. The message was clear: his immediate goal is team success, with trophy ambitions taking priority over any individual sprint.
There was a lot to point to in his innings as well. After Punjab’s top order faltered, Shedge’s 57 helped stabilize the chase and build momentum, allowing the innings to land beyond the 160-run mark. In a tournament where batting order depth is constantly under scrutiny, his steady middle-overs contribution stood out.
Not thinking about a selection “race”
Shedge pushed back on the idea of selection being a personal contest. He stressed that his mindset is built around giving everything for the group and treating each match as another step toward the bigger objective. For him, the “progress” that matters is measured through team outcomes rather than the optics of chasing a role.
“It’s not a race, sir. It’s not a race,” he said, adding that Punjab’s direction is trophy-first. He also underlined that he does not want his cricket to be defined by individual timelines, insisting his only priority is contributing fully to the team and staying focused on the path ahead.
That approach has come into sharper relief because this is still early in his IPL involvement. The knock against Gujarat Titans was only the second match Shedge has played in the competition this season, meaning he has had to wait for his moments rather than build a long run of starts.
Staying ready with Ponting and Iyer
Asked how he has managed the wait for an opportunity, Shedge explained that regular discussions with coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer have helped keep him mentally prepared. He said the consistent message from the leadership group is to be ready whenever a chance appears—and to seize it decisively.
He revealed that he’s been speaking with Ricky Ponting frequently and also with his captain, particularly because he knows Iyer well. The guidance, as he put it, has been straightforward: whenever the opportunity comes, respond immediately and take it with full commitment.
Shedge also described enjoying that uncertainty, pointing to the challenges of adapting to different match situations. He noted that his experience in domestic cricket has reinforced that mindset—mentioning how he has contributed to getting his team out of trouble in U23s and other tournaments.
Looking forward, he said he doesn’t try to predict what role or circumstance he will face next. Instead, he plans to prepare for multiple scenarios, aiming to remain flexible and ready no matter how the game unfolds. For a middle-order batter still building his IPL rhythm, that readiness could be the difference between waiting and making an impact every time the door opens.
