From Ball Boy to Champion Captain: Shreyas Iyer's Inspirational IPL Journey

Shreyas Iyer's cricket career is a symbol of grit and determination. From being a starry-eyed ball boy at Wankhede Stadium in 2008's first season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to becoming the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who won their third IPL championship in 2024, Iyer's odyssey is nothing short of inspirational.

 

Early Days as a Ball Boy:

Iyer's IPL career started as a ball boy in a game between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He still recalls his encounter with Ross Taylor, his favorite player then. Though shy, Iyer found the courage to go up to Taylor, who kindly recognized his admiration.

 

Rise to Prominence:

Iyer debuted for Delhi Capitals in 2015 and won the 'Emerging Player' award in his initial season. He then became the captain of Delhi Capitals, leading them to their first-ever final in the IPL in 2020. He joined KKR in 2022 and, under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, took the team to a win in 2024.

 

New Chapter with Punjab Kings

Now, as Punjab Kings' captain for the 2025 season, Iyer is set to repeat his success. With 3,127 runs in 116 IPL games, he is still a force to be reckoned with in the league.

 

Iyer's journey is an inspiration to young cricketers everywhere, demonstrating how passion and commitment can turn dreams into reality.

 

Sources: NewsX, NewsBytes, Navbharat Times, March 18, 2025