Credit: Star Sports
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has divulged that he was a ball boy during all Mumbai Indians (MI) games in the inaugural installment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Prior to Punjab’s crucial contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Iyer had a conversation with broadcaster Star Sports’ anchor Jatin Sapru. The 30-year-old was asked what he was doing during the opening edition of IPL played in 2008, when the league was launched. The question was put to Iyer on the occasion of IPL’s 18th anniversary.
Responding to the question, Iyer said he was the ball boy during the MI matches in 2008. “I think I was 13 or 14. I was the ball boy in Mumbai, not one of the games but all games. So second match apparently, if I am not wrong, happened in Mumbai played between RCB and Mumbai. I was the ball boy in that game.”
The right-handed batter also disclosed he was playing Under-14 for Mumbai those days. During that time, he got a chance to meet all the players at the dugout. After the MI vs RCB game, he also met Ross Taylor, who was his favourite cricketer then. “At that point of time, I was playing for Under-14 Mumbai so all the kids who were participating in the Mumbai team were supposed to go and become the ball boy and I was one of the lucky ones. Then only, I got the opportunity to meet all the players around the dugout and I was kind of speechless,” added Iyer.
He also remarked, “Ross Taylor used to be my favourite then and I went to him intentionally and said I am a big fan of yours. He was very sweet (said Taylor to Iyer) and said thank you so much.”
Watch the video here:
PBKS will look to continue their outstanding form against RCB in IPL 2025
PBKS have looked outstanding in this tournament and they will look to continue their brilliant work ahead against RCB in Bengaluru. In their last match against reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they saved their total of 111 successfully and became the team to defend lowest total in the history of IPL.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who emerged as the player of the match for his 4/28 in four overs, will be expected to wreak havoc on Bengaluru batters. Chahal has played a lot of IPL cricket in Bengaluru as he was an essential part of RCB from 2014-21. PBKS will expect the veteran spinner to utilise his experience and do wonders with the ball.
