Suryansh Shedge is hopeful of doing something significant for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) season if the opportunity comes. He is waiting for the moment to shine with the words of wisdom he received from the Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni.
The cricketer from Mumbai is undoubtedly very skillful, but has yet to justify his talent. The upcoming IPL season could be the best stage for him to take the next step on the upper level. During an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Suryansh Shedge, a PBKS player, reveals what the former captain of CSK, MS Dhoni, told him about a finisher’s role.
PBKS star Suryansh Shedge has the dream to establish himself as a finisher
Over the years, the role of a finisher has gradually become very crucial. Rinku Singh, MS Dhoni, and Hardik Pandya are among those few Indian stars who made their names as prominent finishers. Suryansh Shedge also has the dream to become a prolific finisher in T20 cricket.
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The emerging cricketer, who is only 23, had a very tough time in the recent past. Whether he performed for the Mumbai cricket team or for the Punjab Kings, his stats are not enough to describe the prodigy. The former India captain and the cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suggested that he stay in the present and keep the approach for every ball.
Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni shared some advices to the PBKS cricketer
“I had a conversation along these very lines with Mahi sir [MS Dhoni] as well. He also said that a finisher’s role is quite crucial in this format, yet opportunities to play it are few and far between. And the outcome does not go in one’s favour most of the time. My philosophy is to stay in the present and approach the game one ball at a time,” the PBKS cricketer shared what Dhoni told him.
“All the senior players say that the scoreboard itself dictates what approach to take. Giving yourself time and staying in the present is crucial. If you start overthinking, you would not be able to anticipate the bowler’s plan, and you are bound to make mistakes”, Suryansh Shedge asserted.
Suryansh Shedge will pay equal focus on every ball in the IPL 2026
From now on, the emerging cricketer pinned on his mind that every delivery offers new opportunities to the batter. So, instead of overthinking about the past, his focus will be only on ball by ball in the IPL 2026.
“You can comfortably take your time and settle in. Cricket is a battle fought ball by ball. Every delivery marks a fresh start. If you win the battle on each individual ball, your task becomes easier, and you put the opposition under pressure,” the batting all-rounder explained further.
PBKS, the runners-up of the IPL 2025 season, will start their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31. Their opening match will be against the Gujarat Titans at the PCA New Cricket Stadium in Tira.
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