In match number 49 of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hosted Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad. Heinrich Klaasen was given a chance during the match as his catch was once again dropped by Shashank Singh. The PBKS cricketer’s performance on the field was not the best.
The incident occurred during the 8.4th over, when Yuzvendra Chahal was bowling to Klaasen, and the South African batsman made a mistake and dropped an easy catch to Shashank Singh, who was fielding at backward square-leg. Shashank Singh, who had dropped catches in the earlier matches too, will be angry with himself with the way he has fielded this season.
The ball seems to be flying everywhere – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was talking to the commentators in the first innings after missing the catch. He said, “Poor Shashank Singh, the ball seems to be flying wherever he goes. Shashank has worked hard on his fielding after returning from a hamstring injury.”
“I was very close to throwing the microphone on the field,” Ponting said after dropping his third consecutive catch.
It has been a tough night for the PBKS team as they missed three easy chances and missed one stumping. Earlier in the game, Cooper Connolly had dropped a sitter against Ishan Kishan, and the southpaw was once again dropped by Lockie Ferguson as Yuzvendra Chahal was the bowler at the time of both Shashank and Lockie.
Well well well, it’s that guy again! 🙊👀
Shashank Singh dropped another catch, and #PBKS The camp is in complete disbelief! 🥲#TATAIPL Revenge Week 2026 ➡️ #SRHvPBKS | Live now 👉https://t.co/4Te1XilHXg pic.twitter.com/lSVDGKfiBg
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 6 May 2026
PBKS is going through a tough time on the field
In the same over, Prabhsimran Singh missed a tough stumping chance as the ball bounced off his shoulder. The runs continued to flow for the Orange Army after three drop catches, with Klaasen and Kishan smashing the PBKS bowlers all over the park. Kishan completed his half-century in 28 balls.
PBKS has the best fielders in IPL; However, the catching has not been as effective as it should have been, with the number of drops reaching 14 this season. His catch percentage is the second lowest (70%), which will be a matter of concern for head coach Ricky Ponting, who has been a brilliant fielder himself.
Sunrisers Hyderabad is firing strong
Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to field first as he made a few changes, bringing in Lockie Ferguson and Shashank Singh. After being invited to bat first, SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma provided a blazing start. 54 runs were scored within four overs.
Abhishek Sharma was out after scoring 35 runs in 13 balls and his partner was also out after scoring 38 runs in 19 balls. From then on, Ishan Kishan and Klaasen took charge and stitched an 88-run partnership as Ishan returned with 55.
Also Read: Cooper Connolly pulls off a sitter as Ishan Kishan survives SRH vs PBKS clash
