Shreyas Iyer recalls his IPL 2008 experience as ball boy
What's the story
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer recently opened up on his unique experience as a ball boy during the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008.
During a clash between hosts Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium, Iyer had a brief interaction with New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor, who was then playing for RCB.
Cut to 2025, Iyer is set to lead PBKS in the cash-rich league.
Early days
Iyer's early cricket journey and ball boy role
Speaking to JioHotstar on their 'Superstars' program, Iyer recalled his early cricketing days.
He revealed he had been playing street cricket in his neighborhood while also playing for Mumbai's Under-14 team.
"All the kids from the Mumbai squad were assigned to be ball boys," he said. "It was my first experience of IPL up close."
Fan moment
Memorable interaction with Ross Taylor
Iyer remembered his meeting with Taylor when he was a ball boy.
He said he was shy and reserved but decided to go up to the player because he felt left out when his friends approached players.
"Ross Taylor was one of my favorite players back then," he said. "So I went up to him and said, 'Sir, I am a big fan of yours.' He was very sweet and thanked me."
Star encounters
Iyer's admiration for Irfan Pathan
Iyer also recalled his meeting with Irfan Pathan, who played for Kings XI Punjab back then.
"I vividly remember Irfan Pathan standing at long-on," he said. "He sat next to us and asked if we were enjoying the match."
Iyer said he was a fan of the Punjab team, who were popular and good-looking, including Yuvraj Singh.
These IPL 2008 memories have stuck with him even after so many years.
Run
Iyer eyes successful run in IPL 2025
Iyer went on to scale new heights in his career.
He recently ended his two-month ODI run on a high, becoming India's top-scorer in their victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the 2024 IPL title, bagged a ₹26.75 crore contract with the Kings last year.
With 3,127 runs under his belt from 116 games, the Indian batter is expected to fire from outset in IPL 2025.