Punjab Kings (PBK) Vice-Private Shashank Singh The franchise's co-owner Preity opened her conversation with Zinta and how she stood by the team during the challenging moments. He remembered how he personally took care of all the players during the Dharamasala clashes against Delhi Capital (DC), which was stopped by the middle route due to acceleration across India and Pakistan.
Shashank also spoke about his memorable exchange of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, in which he described the unique bond shared with both the owners during the tournament. He felt strange while interacting with the Bollywood superstar and recalled how Shah Rukh addressed him warmly during his conversation.
Interview
Any unheard story with PBKS co-owner Preeti Zinta that fans will like?
Preeti Maam is very cold. I did not think it was cold. Because look, we are all children of the 90s. We have seen her films, and she is a celebrity for us. So, when I meet him, I am a player for him. I am a vice-captain and captain it in a game. I like when she gives me that responsibility and respect. She has always been a star for me. So, when I talk to him, I feel a little strange.
When we met for the first time in the auction, he predicted and said, 'Shashank, you will be the star of the year. You will be the star of our team. 'And I think I proved his right. And we have a lot of other stories. Talking about Bollywood about her … [which] Is there such a big industry in our country…
His children are very cute. We were sitting for breakfast and asked her my name. Mam said, 'Shashank, they are asking your name'. I said, 'Call me Rockstar'. I still remember, whenever I used to meet them in pool, gym or match, they used to call me as 'rockstar'. I still remember, after IPL. Mam asked me, 'My children are asking, where is the rockstar?' I was very happy that her children know me as a rockstar.
My honor for him [increased] After Dharamasala match. It was a very stressful match due to the India-Pakistan war, we had to come back. It was stressful, even though we were at some distance from the border, we were nervous. Everything was new to us. Preity Mam came to our hotel. He provided bus, cab, train and food for us. We reached Delhi safely.
Just think about the situation of a celebrity like him. From the ground level work, to manage everything, it was very difficult for him. But he ensured that each of us – not only cricketers, our family, assistant staff, media, logistics team – everyone reached home safely. By the time I reached Bhopal, she was worried. That day, my honor for him increased. She is a good woman, and she makes a lot of fun. But it was something that everyone could do.
What was the atmosphere of the dressing room after that match was suspended?
It was nervous. I will not lie, it was nervous. We did not know what was happening. When we used to go to the match, we used to leave our phones. There was a rule that the phone is not allowed. We did not know why the lights were stopped. We thought it was a technical error. Before the match, we were not sure whether the match was on or not. But the credit goes to the IPL officials that they played us the match. Playing the match in such a difficult situation was a big thing. Maintaining the safety of fans was a big thing.
But, again, when we came in, it was a stressful moment. We did not understand what was happening. This had never happened. Therefore, we were a bit tense. But when both teams reached their hotel, our security officials told us that there was no need to panic. Whatever was happening was getting far away [away],
It was difficult for the players of Delhi and Punjab to go to Delhi safely as you have to leave the next morning. There are lots of logistics [issues[. It is difficult to carry all the luggage and take it there. So, it was a difficult job. But, it was a great job done by the [IPL],
Whenever there is a match between PBKS and KKR, there is a brave tendency. Have you had any conversation with Preity Zinta about his tuning with Shah Rukh Khan?
I always ask Preity how Shahrukh is sir. We talk about a lot of things. There was a time when Punjab and Kolkata went to the finals and KKR won the title, but, there is no rivalry between the owners. There is a healthy competition. You want to win every match. If Shahrukh sir comes to watch the match, I want to meet him. He is a global celebrity. I think my performance is civilized against KKR, I like to play against him.
I had a half -hour conversation with Shahrukh sir last year. We had a very good chase of 262 runs, I played a good knock. I wanted a picture with Shahrukh sir … By the grace of God, when I went in the evening, Sir was talking to my players. When I arrived, Shreyas informed him. Shahrukh sir said that 'Shashank, you played well'. I was happy that Shahrukh sir knows my name.
I liked Shahrukh Khan, [whom I have been] Since childhood, I am asking how I am. The way he talked to me, he also had a little knowledge about me, because I played well in that match … He also told me that if you ever come to Bombay, then there is a 'small house' named 'Mannat', come there. I told him that Sir, this is not a small house! He called me in the evening, brother, if you ever come, tell me. Perhaps Sir will not remember this, but as much as I have heard, his memory is very sharp. But this was a big thing for me – to interact with him for half an hour, about cricket, about life – I enjoyed it very much.
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