Punjab Kings (PBKS) became the first team to secure a top-two spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs and will play Qualifier 1 after their seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Monday (May 26).

The qualification marks Punjab’s first playoff appearance in 11 years, and PBKS batter Shashank Singh revealed that the team had collectively "manifested" a top-two finish after the mega-auction.

However, Shashank stressed that the job is only half done as they are aiming to clinch the maiden IPL title this season.

“It feels surreal. The best thing is, obviously, we manifested this as a team - not just individually, but as a unit. Right after the auction, we created a WhatsApp group and talked about winning the title this year. Our first aim was to finish in the top two, and we've cleared that hurdle," Shashank said at the post-match press conference.

The 33-year-old said belief and hard work were key to turning their vision into reality. "Manifesting is one thing, believing is another. We worked hard for this, and credit goes to every single individual associated with Punjab Kings. It's not easy finishing in the top two of the league like the IPL," he added.

"Finishing top two is just half job done. We want to win. On June 4 at 12am when we are sitting in press conference having won the title, I can say that yes we are on top of the world."

While Shashank was among the few players retained ahead of the mega auction, the team underwent a major overhaul, signing Australian legend Ricky Ponting as head coach and Shreyas Iyer as captain.

"The main motto of Ricky sir and Shreyas since day one has been the need to maintain a culture, the need to care for each other, and then the result will take care of itself."

"Ricky has been by far the best coach I've played under. He has changed our mindset and belief, and the credit must go to him for changing our perspective of the game," he remarked.

PBKS will now miss the services of South African pacer Marco Jansen, who has returned to prepare for the World Test Championship final. However, Shashank expressed confidence in the team's bench strength.

"Marco has been an asset. But, we have players like Azmat (Omarzai) and Kyle (Jamieson) who can fill his boots. In all the league games we've played, we've had new heroes, and hopefully we can all come together and win the title,” he said.

(With PTI Inputs)