Suryansh Shedge struck an aggressive 57 off 29 deliveries to lift Punjab Kings (PBKS) to 163 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening, in what proved a near-miss chase despite a four-wicket defeat. Shedge's unbeaten knock, laced with 3 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 196.55, came after he walked in at No. 6 with PBKS reeling at 36/4 in the seventh over.

From sidelines to centerpiece

In the post-match presser, Shedge reflected on his path back into the XI, crediting bench time as a catalyst for preparation rather than frustration. "I wouldn't say I was waiting; I was preparing," he said. "The time on the sidelines benefitted me and it gave me the opportunity to prepare physically and mentally. Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer have consistently told me the same thing: when the opportunity arrives, you must be ready to take it with both hands."

Building amid variable bounce

Shedge stitched a 79-run partnership off just 44 balls with Marcus Stoinis, steadying PBKS after Shreyas Iyer fell to make it 47/5. On a surface that offered variable bounce and tested every batter, his approach was methodical yet aggressive. "My only intention was to spend as much time at the crease as possible, and I think that made things easier as I progressed through the innings," Shedge explained. "On such wickets, a batter has to take time to settle before playing expansive shots. Targeting 240 or 250 on this track was never realistic; the double-paced surface simply did not allow it."

Bowling keeps PBKS in the hunt

Despite the total falling short, PBKS's bowling unit kept the contest competitive. Arshdeep Singh was outstanding, conceding just 24 runs in 4 overs with an economy rate of 6.00 while claiming 2 wickets. Vijaykumar Vyshak was equally impressive, taking the crucial scalps of Jos Buttler and Sai Sudarshan while conceding 31 runs in 4 overs at an economy of 7.75. Shedge credited deliberate tactical planning for Vyshak's effectiveness: "Just before the powerplay ended, our bowling coach sent a message to Vyshak to bowl at that hard length, and you could see how well he bowled after receiving that message."

Fighting total and the road ahead

PBKS posted 163, a total that proved insufficient on the day but one Shedge views as competitive given the pitch conditions. "Perhaps we could have scored 20 to 25 more runs, but I still believe 163 was a fighting total. We gave everything we had, and there are many positives to take from this game." Despite the four-wicket defeat, PBKS remain at the top of the IPL standings with 13 points from 9 matches. The franchise will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad away on 6 May, seeking to return to winning ways and consolidate their lead.