After playing an important role in helping Punjab Kings to their first home win of the season, Shashank Singh emphasised on the importance of earning full points from home games in the IPL.

Punjab Kings posted an 18-run win against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday with Priyansh Arya scoring a sensational century. Shashank scored 52 off 36 balls, studded with two boundaries and three sixes, and also raised a partnership of 71 off 34 balls with Arya for the sixth wicket to help the side clinch victory.

With two more games to go in Mullanpur and three at Dharamsala, Shashank talked about the importance of keeping up the same performance to cement a berth in the playoffs.

"To be in the top-four, we have to win all the home games. We have had great practice sessions at both the venues, and in the next 11 days we have four matches out of which two are at the same venue. It's very important to keep the same momentum," said Shashank.

Shashank credited Brian Lara for helping him gain confidence during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad under the coaching of the West Indies great. He also thanked Australian great and PBKS coach Ricky Ponting and Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer for giving him a free hand.

"The T20 format is all about expressing yourself. I have been lucky to have the support of Ponting, Lara and Iyer. When I played for Sunrisers Hyderabad three years ago, Lara guided me. He told me to not try to imitate someone else and just focus on timing the ball," said the 33-year-old. "Iyer has been very approachable. His door is open for everyone. He is very positive and Ponting always tells us to express ourselves," he added.

Top knock: Iyer

Meanwhile, Iyer lauded Arya for his 103 off 42 balls, with nine sixes and seven boundaries, against five-time champions CSK.

Iyer described Arya's performance as one of the best innings he has ever seen in the IPL.

"The way Arya played was scintillating to watch. It was an out-of-the-world type of innings. When I spoke with him in the last game, he was a bit timid in his decision-making when he faced Jofra Archer," said the skipper.

"He (Arya) backed his instincts. He was free flowing, and that's the mindset I want everyone to have in this team. Basically, it was a top knock," he added.

Iyer also insisted that his side are yet to play their best game of the season but added they will focus on the positives ahead of the upcoming matches.

"We have not played our best game yet. The nerves are still there. We need to go back and do group catching sessions. But we won the game, and we need to focus on the positives," he said.

Punjab Kings will next face off against SRH in Hyderabad on April 12.

Punjab Kings will next face off against SRH in Hyderabad on April 12.