Shashank Singh leaves Chhattisgarh, set to represent Puducherry from 2026-27 domestic season

India batter Shashank Singh has decided to part ways with Chhattisgarh and will represent Puducherry from the 2026-27 domestic season. The 34-year-old confirmed that he has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), bringing an end to his long association with the state team.

Shashank made the move after expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the state association during an injury-hit phase. The all-rounder alleged that the CSCS failed to support him during his recovery and later sidelined him without offering any explanation.

Confirming his decision, Shashank opened up on the reasons behind switching teams ahead of the new domestic season.

“Yes, I’m quitting Chhattisgarh. I’ve taken the NOC from CSCS and am moving to Pondicherry from the 2026-27 season. I suffered serious shoulder and finger injuries last season, but the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh didn’t support me at all in this phase,” Shashank Singh told the Times of India.

The 34-year-old further claimed that he was overlooked for both the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League 2026 and the state’s pre-season training camp in Bengaluru, despite seeking clarification from the association.

“Post the season, they didn’t put my name in the list of players for the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League 2026, and my name was also missing in the Chhattisgarh squad which travelled to Bengaluru for a pre-season camp. I asked why they didn’t put my name. There was no response,” he said.

Shashank to focus on white-ball cricket

Shashank has been one of the more dependable performers in India’s domestic white-ball circuit over the past few seasons. During the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he enjoyed an outstanding campaign, scoring 450 runs and picking up 11 wickets in just seven matches, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.

The experienced campaigner has also decided to take a break from red-ball cricket and will focus exclusively on the white-ball formats in the upcoming domestic season.

Shashank remains an important member of the Punjab Kings setup in the Indian Premier League. He played a pivotal role in the franchise’s run to the IPL 2025 final, scoring 350 runs at a strike rate of 153.51, including a fighting 61 off just 30 deliveries in the summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

However, the all-rounder endured a comparatively quiet IPL 2026 campaign, managing 132 runs in nine innings while serving as Punjab Kings’ vice-captain under Shreyas Iyer.

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