Shreyas Iyer is one of India’s most stylish and dependable cricketers. The right-handed batter has impressed fans with his attacking stroke play, calm leadership, and consistent performances in international cricket and the IPL. He represents Mumbai in domestic cricket and currently plays for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League. He also serves as the vice-captain of India’s ODI team.
Iyer made his international debut in 2017 and quickly became an important part of India’s batting lineup. During his Test debut against New Zealand in 2021, he scored both a century and a half-century, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve this milestone in a debut Test match.
He was part of India’s squad that finished runner-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and also contributed to India’s victories in the 2023 Asia Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. Over the years, Iyer has earned praise not only for his batting but also for his leadership qualities. From leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title to joining Punjab Kings for a record-breaking fee in 2025, his cricket journey has been full of memorable moments.
Here are five interesting and lesser-known facts about Shreyas Iyer that many fans may not know.
Shreyas Iyer Fun Facts: Pizza Was His Reward for Scoring Centuries
As a child, he had a delicious motivation behind his performances on the cricket field. His mother, Rohini Iyer, would reward him with homemade burgers whenever he scored a half-century. But if he managed to score a century, he earned something even better — pizza.
One of his most memorable knocks came when he was just eight years old. Playing at the Indian Gymkhana, young Shreyas smashed a brilliant 46-ball century and proudly earned his favourite reward. It was an early sign of the fearless batting style that fans see today.
Shreyas Iyer Interesting Facts: He Loves Performing Magic Tricks
Apart from cricket, he also enjoys entertaining teammates with magic tricks. He is known in dressing rooms for performing simple but impressive card tricks that often surprise players around him.
His interest in magic helps him create a fun and relaxed atmosphere inside the team environment. Whether during travel or practice sessions, Iyer’s hidden talent often becomes a talking point among teammates and fans.
Shreyas Iyer Biography: Owns More Than 100 Pairs of Sneakers
He is one of the biggest sneaker enthusiasts in Indian cricket. The stylish batter reportedly owns more than 100 pairs of sneakers and is known for his strong fashion sense off the field.
He frequently experiments with trendy outfits and footwear collections, making him one of the most fashionable cricketers in the country. From luxury sneakers to limited-edition collections, Iyer’s passion for style is well-known among his followers on social media.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Career: Worked as a Ball Boy During IPL 2008
Before becoming an IPL-winning captain, he had a special connection with the tournament as a teenager. During the inaugural IPL season in 2008, the 13-year-old worked as a ball boy at Mumbai Indians home matches.
Back then, he admired several international stars and especially looked up to former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor. Iyer was reportedly nervous when he first approached Taylor to tell him he was a huge fan. Years later, he achieved his dream of becoming a successful IPL cricketer himself.
Shreyas Iyer Records: Why Teammates Call Him ‘Sarpanch’
One of the most interesting nicknames in Indian cricket belongs to Shreyas Iyer. His teammates often call him “Sarpanch,” a word commonly used for a village head or leader.
The nickname reflects his natural leadership qualities and confident personality. Even after facing setbacks, including losing his BCCI contract for a period, Iyer made a strong comeback. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title and later guided Punjab Kings to the IPL final the following season.
FAQs About Shreyas Iyer
Q1. Which IPL team does Shreyas Iyer play for?
A. He currently plays for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Q2. When did Shreyas Iyer make his international debut?
A. He made his international debut for India in 2017.
Q3. What is special about Shreyas Iyer’s Test debut?
A. On his Test debut against New Zealand in 2021, he scored both a century and a half-century, becoming the first Indian player to achieve this feat.
Q4. Why is Shreyas Iyer called “Sarpanch”?
A. His teammates call him “Sarpanch” because of his strong leadership skills and commanding personality on and off the field.
Q5. How many sneakers does Shreyas Iyer own?
A. According to reports, he owns more than 100 pairs of sneakers.
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