Punjab Kings’ young, uncapped batter Suryansh Shedge provided a timely spark in IPL 2026 on Sunday, steering the side out of trouble against Gujarat Titans. Coming in when PBKS were struggling at 36/4, the 23-year-old made an aggressive recovery with a 24-ball fifty, highlighted by a destructive spell in the middle overs that swung momentum firmly in his team’s favour. Shedge finished with 57 off 29 balls, becoming the top scorer for Punjab.
Suryansh Shedge’s match-changing knock for PBKS
PBKS were under pressure early, but Shedge’s innings helped them regain stability and keep the contest alive. His acceleration peaked in the 14th over, a moment that defined the chase/in-play narrative for the day.
- Shedge entered the innings when PBKS were at 36/4.
- He struck a 24-ball half-century to steady the innings.
- The biggest damage arrived in the 14th over, when he took on Gujarat Titans spinner Manav Suthar.
- In that over, Shedge hit for 26 runs, including three sixes and two fours.
- He ended unbeaten?—no, he finished on 57 off 29 balls and was Punjab’s highest scorer.
Who is Suryansh Shedge?
Suryansh Shedge is a Mumbai-born talent, seen as a batting all-rounder with the ability to contribute with some medium pace when needed. His growth in cricket has been shaped by strong role models and family support from an early age.
- Born in Mumbai on January 29, 2003.
- Plays as a batting all-rounder and bowls handy medium pace.
- His cricket idol is Virat Kohli.
- He also looks up to modern all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes.
Early career and pathway to the IPL
Breaking through in Mumbai cricket is notoriously difficult, but Shedge managed to stand out through performances and consistent development. His journey includes youth cricket leadership, mentorship, and opportunities that eventually brought him into the IPL system.
- His mother identified his talent early and took him to a cricket academy when he was nine years old.
- To support his cricket career, his mother also quit her own job.
- He produced a standout knock of 326 not out off 137 balls in the Giles Shield U14 inter-school tournament.
- At U19 level, he captained Mumbai.
- Despite his leadership at U19, he missed out on representing India at the U19 Cricket World Cup.
- During his development, he was mentored by Abhishek Nayar, the current head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Nayar has also worked with players including Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
IPL journey: Lucknow chance, then Punjab’s big buy
Shedge’s route to regular IPL involvement has come through a mix of scouting, replacement opportunities, and franchise backing. He first entered the league through Lucknow, before eventually becoming a Punjab Kings acquisition at the mega auction.
- He was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023 as a replacement for the injured Jaydev Unadkat.
- Despite being signed for IPL 2023, he did not get a match appearance.
- Punjab Kings bought him at the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 30 lakh.
- That decision appeared vindicated when he shone in Mumbai’s triumphant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 campaign.
Form in domestic cricket and role as a finisher
Known for finishing innings, Shedge’s domestic numbers underline why franchises were interested in his impact potential. His strike rate and calm batting at key moments helped him build momentum across a short run of matches.
- He played as a finisher and scored 131 runs in nine innings.
- His strike rate was 251.92.
- He averaged more than 43.
- He remained not out on six occasions.
- In IPL 2025, he played five matches for PBKS but didn’t receive much opportunity to bat for longer spells.
