New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Suryansh Shedge, the batting all-rounder for Punjab Kings, expressed that the franchise has yet to fulfill its aspiration of clinching the title, having finished as runners-up in IPL 2025. He emphasized that the team is entering the upcoming season with a strong focus on their unfinished business.

In 2025, PBKS made it to just their second IPL final but narrowly lost by six runs to the eventual champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in Ahmedabad. Shedge stated, "We haven't achieved our goal yet. Therefore, we plan to approach this season with the same determination. We've discussed among ourselves about how we fell short and the need to cross the finish line this time."

Although Shedge had only five appearances during the 2025 season, where he didn’t showcase a standout performance, he has kept himself in shape by playing domestic matches for Mumbai at both senior and U23 levels since the season concluded. He remarked, "In the last month, I've participated in about three to four red-ball matches. I'm also sneaking in wide-ball sessions in between, and it's going well. Preparations commenced last year after the IPL, so I don't feel the need to rush; it's a process, and I believe I'm on the right path."

During his time with PBKS, Shedge had a remarkable experience meeting his childhood idol, Virat Kohli. "Transitioning from watching him play on screen to sharing the field with him was surreal. Observing his professionalism and the energy he brings has taught me a lot. When I first shook his hand, I was overwhelmed; I couldn't believe it because he's been my idol since I began playing cricket. It was a monumental moment in my cricketing journey, as I always dreamed of playing alongside him," he shared.

The pre-season camp held in Udaipur earlier this year allowed Shedge to connect with fellow Mumbaikar and new spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule. "We have several new coaching staff members, and I'm quite familiar with Sairaj sir since he hails from Mumbai. Working with him during the camp was beneficial. I had many productive conversations with him regarding my bowling and batting, drawing on his extensive IPL experience," he noted.

Reflecting on his high-pressure IPL experiences, Shedge commented, "Controlling your emotions is crucial while playing high-stakes games. If your emotions fluctuate, your performance can suffer. I've learned the importance of situational awareness. I've always given my all to my team since childhood, but I despise losing. The final taught us, as a team and me individually, valuable lessons."

Despite having captained Mumbai on a tour of England and earning a place in India A, Shedge emphasized that his internal preparation is what truly matters. "Life remains constant; preparations intensify. You're a bit harder on yourself because the goal feels within reach. You're so close yet so far, which drives you to work harder. Acknowledging areas for improvement and recognizing strengths has provided me with clarity on my current status."

Over the years, Shedge has transitioned from a hyperactive, win-at-all-costs mentality to one of steady patience. He admitted, "A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have said that. I was always eager to win and struggled with controlling my emotions. As I matured, I started identifying what works for me and what doesn't, leading to necessary changes. Recognizing the need for improvement has been a significant help."

Shedge attributes much of PBKS's surprising run to the finals last year to the positive atmosphere cultivated by Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, who share a strong rapport from their time at Delhi Capitals. "When the team unites with a common goal, exceptional outcomes follow. Since our camps before last year's IPL, we had a clear objective. A supportive staff that prioritizes the players makes a significant difference. Ricky sir and Shreyas bhai have a long-standing relationship, which contributed to our success, creating a lighthearted environment that fostered teamwork," he explained.

Although he gained recognition for his pivotal role in Mumbai's victory in the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shedge concluded the recent domestic season without any trophies. He candidly discussed his performance. "Our aim was to win all three trophies, but that didn’t happen. However, we performed well as a team. Sometimes things just don’t align. We were all on the same page and worked hard, but it was one of those years. Now we understand what we need to improve and can prepare better for the next season. Personally, I believe I could have done better in the opportunities I received. Acceptance is key, and that’s how we develop. I don’t view it as losing or failing; we were simply learning as a team and as individuals."

As IPL 2026 approaches, Shedge's objective is straightforward: to contribute in all three areas—batting, bowling, and fielding—and assist PBKS in finally lifting the trophy that narrowly escaped them in 2025. "Naturally, the primary goal will be to lift the trophy. Personally, I aim to make an impact across all three departments, as that's what I'm recognized for. Contributing to my team's success is paramount, and I’ll do everything I can to support them this year," he concluded.