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With a wealth of experience and an unwavering belief in himself, Shreyas Iyer is ready to lead Punjab Kings (PBSK) into a new era of success in IPL 2025. His journey from a shy ball boy watching his idols play to becoming a captain reflects not only his growth as a cricketer but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.
Shreyas Iyer opens up about his favourite cricketers from IPL 2008
In an engaging revelation ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Shreyas shared his fond memories of the inaugural season. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Iyer expressed how those moments shaped his passion for cricket and his career aspirations.
“I grew up playing street cricket and was part of Mumbai’s U-14 team at the time. All of us from the squad were assigned as ball boys, which gave me my first close look at the IPL,” Iyer recalled on JioHotstar’s ‘Superstars’ program.
This early exposure to professional cricket ignited a spark in the Mumbaikar, leading to unforgettable encounters with some of his idols.
“He was very sweet and thanked me”: Shreyas Iyer
Iyer reminisced about a particular moment when he mustered the courage to approach Ross Taylor – his favourite player from that era. “I remember being shy and reserved, but my friends were approaching players, so I decided to try too. Ross Taylor was one of my favourites, so I gathered the courage to tell him, ‘Sir, I’m a big fan of yours.’ He was very sweet and thanked me,” he said. This interaction left a lasting impression on Iyer, showcasing how early experiences can influence a young athlete’s journey.
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In addition to Taylor, Iyer fondly remembered another cricketing icons from the inaugural season: Irfan Pathan and Yuvraj Singh.
“I vividly remember Irfan Pathan standing at long-on. He sat next to us and asked if we were enjoying the game. We told him we were having a great time and were thrilled to meet him. At that time, Irfan bhai was a huge star, and Punjab Kings had some of the most good-looking players, including Yuvi pa (Yuvraj Singh). It’s a memory that has stayed with me for years,” he added. At that time, Pathan and Yuvraj Singh were big stars in Indian cricket, and their presence made the experience even more special for young fans like Iyer.
As Iyer steps into his role as captain of PBKS for IPL 2025, he carries these cherished memories with him. His leadership comes after a successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he led the team to their third IPL title in 2024. With PBKS yet to secure an IPL trophy, Iyer is determined to change that narrative this season.
