RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: The year has been a landmark moment for cricket fans in Chhattisgarh. Young cricketer Shashank Singh has made history in the IPL 2025 auction by being retained by Punjab Kings for a staggering Rs 5.50 crore.

The amount surpasses the auction price of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was purchased for Rs 5 crore, making Shashank's achievement a significant milestone not only in his career but also in the history of Chhattisgarh cricket.

The auction saw a total of seven players from Chhattisgarh, with Shashank Singh and Ajay Mandal standing out. While Ajay Mandal was bought by Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 30 lakh, Shashank’s retention by Punjab Kings at a much higher price has garnered widespread attention.

Shashank, a native of Bhilai, is the son of IPS officer Shalesh Singh and housewife Sunita Singh. His sister, Sirutika Singh, works at ONGC. Shashank has previously played for prominent IPL teams, including Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Notably, in IPL 2022, he made headlines for scoring an unbeaten 25 runs from a remarkable strike rate of 416.67 against Gujarat, which included hitting three sixes off Lockie Ferguson’s bowling.

The success not only highlights Shashank’s individual talent but also showcases the emerging sports potential in Chhattisgarh. His remarkable performance has inspired many young aspirants in the state to pursue careers in cricket and sports.

Ajay Mandal’s inclusion in the Delhi Capitals also adds to the pride of Chhattisgarh, and expectations are high for both players in the upcoming season.