Shashank Singh Denies Shreyas Iyer’s Century – Selfish or Team First? Hardik Pandya 2.0

What Happened in the Match?

In the IPL 2024 clash between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer played a stunning knock of 97* off 42 balls, bringing Punjab close to victory. By the 19th over, Iyer was on the verge of his maiden IPL century, needing just three more runs.

However, in the final over, Shashank Singh took strike and went on a rampage, scoring 44 runs off just 16 balls to seal the win for Punjab. While the team celebrated, Iyer remained unbeaten at 97*, missing out on a well-deserved century.

This sparked a heated debate on social media—should Shashank have let Iyer complete his hundred?

Why Was Shashank Called “Hardik Pandya 2.0”?

Hardik Pandya is often trolled for his “milestone-breaker” attitude—whether it’s denying teammates a century or making controversial statements. Fans compared Shashank’s act to Hardik’s past incidents, dubbing him “Hardik Pandya 2.0.”

Hardik Pandya to Shashank Singh, after he didn’t let Shreyas make century pic.twitter.com/f6g38njC4B

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 25, 2025

Shashank Singh🤝Hardik Pandya. pic.twitter.com/If9nI8USAz

— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) March 25, 2025

Memes flooded the internet:

• “Hardik: My legacy is safe in your hands, Shashank!”
• “Shashank aced Hardik’s ‘How to Block Centuries’ masterclass!”

Shashank’s Defense: Team First, Personal Milestones Second

After the match, Shashank revealed that Shreyas Iyer himself encouraged him to play aggressively, prioritizing the team’s victory over personal glory. Iyer reportedly said, “Winning the match matters more than my century.” This selfless act earned praise for Iyer’s leadership and team spirit.

The Bigger Picture: Cricket is a Team Sport

While milestones like centuries matter, cricket is ultimately a team game. Shashank’s explosive innings secured Punjab’s win, but Iyer’s humility won hearts.

This incident also highlights how social media amplifies controversies—whether justified or not.

Final Verdict: Fair or Unfair?

• Fair: Shashank played for the team’s win, and Iyer supported the decision.
• Unfair: Fans argued that a century would have been a memorable moment for Iyer.

What do you think? Should Shashank have let Iyer complete his century? Share your thoughts in the comments!