January 29, 2025: Young Mumbai cricketer Suryansh Shedge is set to showcase his talent on the grand stage as he gears up for his maiden IPL season with Punjab Kings. The 21-year-old batting sensation was picked by the franchise at the IPL 2024 auction in November after a standout domestic season. His blistering 36 off 15 balls* in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final caught the attention of franchises, helping Mumbai lift the trophy.

Shedge, who made his senior Mumbai debut this season, believes playing under Shreyas Iyer at Punjab Kings will ease his transition into the IPL.

“If you track the record of Punjab Kings over the past few years, they always invest in new talent. And they scout the domestic circuit closely. I am really excited to be a part of the franchise. Shreyas bhaiya being the captain makes it easier because he is a familiar face,” said Shedge.

A Special IPL Auction Moment with Musheer Khan

Shedge will also reunite with his Mumbai teammate Musheer Khan at Punjab Kings, making the journey even more special. Recalling the moment both of them were picked by the franchise, Shedge said he was traveling on the team bus when he tuned into the live IPL auction.

> “I saw Musheer Khan’s name and knew I would be coming up shortly. Punjab Kings bought him, so I was really excited. I was just about to call him, but my name appeared, so I stopped. Punjab Kings raised the paddle, and we all celebrated on the bus. The first call I received was from Musheer himself, as we both will play for the same team,” he shared.

After a quick phone call with his parents, Suryansh was congratulated by his Mumbai teammates, including Shreyas Iyer, during dinner. His Mumbai teammates affectionately dubbed him ‘Punjab da Munda’, signaling his new journey in IPL cricket.

> “Whatever the team needs, I am there. I will not carry a fixed mindset. And I will entertain the fans,” he promised.


A Journey of Resilience: Overcoming Injury and Self-Doubt

Before his rise in domestic cricket, Shedge faced a career-threatening back injury last year, which stalled his progress in Mumbai cricket. The young cricketer, who was on the verge of selection for the senior Mumbai team, was advised complete rest by physiotherapists due to a stress fracture relapse.

“It was revealed that my stress fracture had relapsed. I was taken aback. The first two months were a blur, and I was only going through the motions. I wanted that year to make my mark,” he admitted.

Being part of Mumbai cricket’s competitive structure, Shedge feared he would be forgotten.

“I was not confident about a comeback. When you are in a city like Mumbai, the competition is always tough. You will find talent in every street. I thought I would be forgotten, and my career would go downhill,” he revealed.

However, with support from his family and friends, Shedge regained his self-belief and worked on strength training and refining his power-hitting skills.

His hard work paid off when he made a sensational return, scoring three centuries in three matches in domestic cricket. His performances earned him a Mumbai U-23 call-up, where he scored 168 runs in a crucial match, securing his selection for the Mumbai senior Ranji Trophy team.

“It is not easy to make a comeback in the Mumbai senior team. But I kept believing, worked hard, and got my chance,” he said.

Eyes on the Prize: IPL 2025 and Learning Under Ricky Ponting

After an outstanding domestic season, Shedge now has his sights set on helping Punjab Kings clinch their maiden IPL title. With Shreyas Iyer as captain and Ricky Ponting as head coach, he is eager to learn from some of the best minds in the game.

“Ricky Ponting is a legend. He is beyond words. After retirement, he gave back to cricket and has been constantly involved with the community. He has been a part of IPL for many years, so he knows the ins and outs. Aussies are known for their fearless attitude, and that’s what he personifies. We are hopeful that under his guidance, we will lift the trophy this year,” Shedge concluded.

As Punjab Kings prepare for IPL 2025, Suryansh Shedge is ready to make a big impact and show the world why he is one of India’s most promising young cricketers. Watch out for ‘Punjab da Munda’ as he gears up for an unforgettable season!