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From Ball Boy to IPL Captain: Shreyas Iyer’s Inspiring Journey Revealed in Chat with Ross Taylor
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform where dreams are born, and careers are transformed. For Shreyas Iyer, the current Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper, the journey from being a ball boy in the inaugural 2008 season to leading an IPL team is nothing short of inspirational. In a recent chat with New Zealand great Ross Taylor, Iyer opened up about his humble beginnings and how the IPL shaped his career.
The Humble Beginnings: A Ball Boy at Wankhede
The year was 2008, and the IPL was just taking its first steps into the cricketing world. The Rajasthan Royals emerged as the champions, but for a young Shreyas Iyer, the tournament was more than just a spectacle—it was a dream. During a match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium, Iyer was one of the ball boys assigned to the game.
Recalling the experience on JioHotstar’s ‘Superstars’ programme, Iyer said, “I grew up playing street cricket in my area, and at that time, I was playing for Mumbai’s U-14 team. All the kids from the Mumbai squad were assigned to be ball boys, and it was my first experience of the IPL up close.”
A Shy Encounter with Ross Taylor
Being a reserved teenager, Iyer initially hesitated to approach the players. However, his admiration for Ross Taylor, who was playing for RCB at the time, pushed him to step out of his comfort zone. “Ross Taylor was one of my favorite players back then, so I went up to him and said, ‘Sir, I am a big fan of yours.’ He was very sweet and thanked me,” Iyer shared.
While it was common for ball boys to ask for bats or gloves, Iyer was too shy to make such a request, even though he secretly wished for one. This interaction, though brief, left a lasting impression on the young cricketer.
Meeting Irfan Pathan and the Punjab Kings’ Aura
Iyer also reminisced about meeting Irfan Pathan, who was part of the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) squad. “I vividly remember Irfan Pathan standing at long-on. He sat next to us and asked if we were enjoying the match. We told him we were having a lot of fun and were thrilled to see him,” Iyer recalled.
He added that the Punjab team, with stars like Yuvraj Singh, had an aura that left him in awe. “At that time, Irfan bhai was very popular, and the Punjab team had some of the most good-looking boys, including Yuvi pa (Yuvraj Singh). It’s a memory that has stayed with me even after so many years.”
The Rise of Shreyas Iyer: From Ball Boy to IPL Captain
Fast forward to 2024, and Shreyas Iyer is now a seasoned IPL campaigner. Since his debut in 2015, he has scored 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23, with a strike rate of 127.47. His journey has been marked by consistent performances and leadership roles.
In his debut season with Delhi Capitals (DC), Iyer won the ‘Emerging Player’ award for scoring 439 runs in 14 matches. He later captained DC to the finals in 2020 and led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024 under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir.
Now, as the skipper of Punjab Kings, Iyer is determined to replicate his past successes. The team will kick off their campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
A Story of Perseverance and Inspiration
Shreyas Iyer’s journey from being a ball boy to an IPL captain is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love for the game. His story serves as an inspiration to countless young cricketers who dream of making it big in the world of cricket.
As Iyer gears up for another exciting IPL season, fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can lead Punjab Kings to their maiden title. One thing is certain—his journey is a reminder that dreams do come true, especially when fueled by passion and perseverance.
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