Uncapped Star Shashank Singh Predicts India Call-Up For 2026 T20 World Cup

Shashank Singh predicts T20 World Cup 2026 call-up to play maiden game for India.

Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh has made a bold declaration about his international future, asserting that he will represent India in next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite never having received a national call-up. The 33-year-old right-hander expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to break into the star-studded Indian lineup for the tournament scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Shashank Singh Asserts Self-Belief

In a candid conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Shashank revealed his firm self-belief: “One prediction I have and that is in the upcoming (T20) World Cup in India, I’ll be playing, and I’ll be winning games for the team. I don’t know how that will happen, but I surely believe that it will happen.”

Addressing concerns about his age, the Chhattisgarh cricketer pointed to contemporary success stories. “Surya hit Jofra (Archer) for six in his first match (innings), and now he’s the captain of the Indian team,” he said, referencing Suryakumar Yadav’s debut at 30. “Then there’s Pravin Tambe. He didn’t play for India, but at the age of 41, he debuted in IPL. Can you imagine that!”

Shashank’s confidence stems from consistent IPL performances, having scored 354 runs in 14 matches for Punjab Kings in 2024 and adding 350 runs in the 2025 season. Beyond personal aspirations, he also made a bold prediction for his franchise: “If you ask me about the team, then Punjab is lifting next year’s IPL for sure.”

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The batter reserved special praise for PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, calling him “at a different level altogether.” He elaborated, “He has his own aura, a different mindset altogether. Won’t talk rubbish, won’t tolerate rubbish. When he bats in the nets, he knows what he is doing. If someone asks me, ‘Who is the best captain you have played under?’ Hands down, Shreyas Iyer.”

Shashank also credited coach Ricky Ponting for simplifying his approach to the game, noting how the Australian legend has made “the game very simple” despite cricket’s inherent complexities.