IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer Reveals His Favourite Cricketers From The Inaugural Season

With a wealth of experience and an unwavering belief in himself, Shreyas Iyer is set to lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) into a new era of success in IPL 2025. His journey—from a shy ball boy watching his idols play in the inaugural IPL 2008 season to becoming a captain and IPL-winning leader—is nothing short of inspiring.

For Iyer, cricket was never just a sport; it was a childhood dream that turned into reality through years of dedication, hard work, and passion. As he prepares to guide PBKS in search of their first IPL trophy, Iyer reflects on the memories that shaped him as a cricketer—his first-hand experience as a ball boy, his early encounters with legendary players, and the role models who inspired him to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

A Childhood Dream Sparked by IPL 2008

Born and raised in Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey began like many Indian kids—playing street cricket with friends, dreaming of donning the national colors. But it was IPL 2008 that turned his dreams into a burning ambition.

💬 “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 in a candid interview on JioHotstar’s ‘Superstars’ program.

For a 14-year-old cricketer, being inside the stadium, watching the biggest stars up close, and experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of IPL firsthand was life-changing.

🚀 It was the moment that made Iyer realize he wanted to be part of the IPL—not just as a player, but as someone who could make a real impact on the field.

Shreyas Iyer’s First Encounter with His Idol: Ross Taylor

Among the many international stars who played in IPL 2008, one player stood out for Iyer—Ross Taylor. The hard-hitting Kiwi batter had made a name for himself with his explosive stroke play, and for young Iyer, he was the definition of a “cool cricketer.”

However, despite being starstruck, Iyer was initially too shy to approach his favorite player. But watching his friends confidently walk up to the stars, he finally mustered the courage to talk to Taylor.

💬 “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,” Iyer reminisced.

That brief but heartwarming interaction left a lasting impact on him, reinforcing the idea that cricket is not just about skill—it’s also about sportsmanship, humility, and connection with fans.

Irfan Pathan and Yuvraj Singh: The Stars Who Inspired a Generation

Apart from Ross Taylor, two Indian superstars who stood out to Iyer in IPL 2008 were Irfan Pathan and Yuvraj Singh—both integral members of Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab).

✨ Irfan Pathan’s Warm Gesture
During a match, Iyer and his fellow ball boys got the rare chance to sit next to Irfan Pathan while he was fielding at long-on.

💬 “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,” Iyer said.

For a young cricketer, having a conversation with a star Indian all-rounder was nothing short of magical.

🌟 Yuvraj Singh: The Ultimate Style Icon
But if there was one player who epitomized charisma, elegance, and class, it was Yuvraj Singh.

💬 “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,” Iyer fondly recalled.

For many young Indian cricketers, Yuvraj Singh was the perfect role model—a fearless left-hander who could destroy any bowling attack and win matches single-handedly. Watching him play in IPL 2008 left a deep imprint on Iyer, inspiring him to dream bigger.

From a Ball Boy to an IPL Champion Captain

Fast forward to 2025, and the same 14-year-old ball boy from IPL 2008 is now an IPL-winning captain leading the very franchise that once inspired him—Punjab Kings.

After a successful stint as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, where he led them to their third IPL title in 2024, Iyer now embarks on a new challenge: leading PBKS to their first-ever IPL title.

✅ PBKS’ Captain for IPL 2025
✅ Brings leadership experience from KKR
✅ Aims to end PBKS’ title drought

For Punjab Kings, who have struggled to win the coveted trophy despite having star-studded lineups in the past, Iyer’s leadership brings a fresh sense of hope and determination.

🚨 Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Style
Iyer’s captaincy style is a blend of:
🧠 Strategic Decision-Making – Learned from his time under Gautam Gambhir at KKR.
🔥 Aggression & Fearlessness – Inspired by Virat Kohli.
🤝 Calm & Composed Leadership – Reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s cool-headed approach.

His ability to handle pressure, lead from the front, and inspire his teammates makes him the perfect captain to guide PBKS to glory.

Can Shreyas Iyer Lead PBKS to Their First IPL Trophy?

Punjab Kings have undergone a massive overhaul for IPL 2025, bringing in:

🏏 A New Captain – Shreyas Iyer
🎯 A New Coach – Ricky Ponting
🔥 Explosive Batting Options – Glenn Maxwell, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis
⚡ A Potent Bowling Attack – Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal

However, the road to IPL success is never easy.

🛑 Challenges PBKS Could Face in IPL 2025:
❌ Inexperienced Indian top order – Consistency will be key.
❌ Over-reliance on overseas players – Balancing the team combination will be crucial.
❌ Pressure of Expectations – Can Iyer handle the weight of leading a trophy-hungry franchise?

💬 “I’m ready for this challenge, and I believe we have a squad capable of going all the way,” Iyer confidently stated ahead of the season.

A Full-Circle Moment for Shreyas Iyer

As IPL 2025 unfolds, Shreyas Iyer’s story comes full circle.

From a shy ball boy admiring his heroes in IPL 2008 to captaining one of the most passionate IPL franchises, his journey is a testament to perseverance, ambition, and self-belief.

He now has the opportunity to carve his own legacy—not just as a great batsman but as a title-winning leader for Punjab Kings.

🏆 Will IPL 2025 be the year PBKS finally lifts the trophy?
🏏 Can Iyer turn his childhood inspiration into a championship-winning reality?

One thing is certain: Shreyas Iyer’s journey is proof that dreams do come true.

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