Shane Warne, the legendary cricketer, played a pivotal role as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2008, mentoring players like Ravindra Jadeja, who has now become one of the biggest stars of the league. Jadeja's relationship with Warne was not just one of admiration; it was also fundamentally educational, as Warne recognized his potential and consistently worked to guide him.
According to Warne himself, he often gave Jadeja more opportunities compared to other players, stating, “We loved him (Jadeja) from the minute we saw his approach and enthusiasm. There was a bit of ‘boy wonder’ in him so we gave him a longer leash than most, but his lack of discipline was a problem because it sometimes led the younger guys down the wrong path.” This mixture of praise and discipline defined their dynamic, as Warne also admitted he could not tolerate lateness.
Recalling one incident, Warne said, “Jadeja was always late. The first time, there was confusion with bags, so I let it slide. The second time, no good – the bus left at 9 am for training and he wasn’t on it, so he had to make his own way to the ground and, of course, was late again. On the way back after training, I stopped the bus halfway to the hotel and said, ‘Guys, we had someone late again this morning. Ravi, mate, get off here and walk home.’” This act of discipline, according to Warne, worked wonders, as “no one was late after” Jadeja faced the consequences.
Even now, Jadeja honors Warne's influence, as the later often reflects on their past together. “Every time we see each other now he still calls me ‘sir’ and talks about those days. I tell him I should be on 10 percent of everything he earns!” commented Warne, emphasizing the affection and respect built during their time together. Jadeja's growth, both as a player and person, can be traced back to these foundational experiences during the inaugural IPL season which they captured together with championship glory.
Meanwhile, another perspective from the inaugural season has come from Shreyas Iyer, the current captain of the Punjab Kings. Iyer recently recounted his experience as a ball boy during the 2008 season, which marked his entry point to the IPL. Reflecting on his childhood dreams, he said, “I grew up playing street cricket and at the time, was playing for Mumbai's U-14 team. All the kids from the Mumbai squad were assigned to be ball boys, and it was my first experience of IPL up close.”
Iyer recounted the excitement he felt as he stood on the sidelines, observing the match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “I was shy and reserved back then, but I decided to approach one of my favorites, Ross Taylor, and told him, ‘Sir, I am a big fan of yours.’ He was very sweet and thanked me,” Iyer recalled, reminiscent of how those early experiences shaped his love for the game.
He also shared memories of interacting with other players, including Irfan Pathan, who engaged with the young ball boys. “I vividly still see Irfan Pathan standing at long-on during the match. He sat next to us and asked if we were enjoying the game. We told him we were having fun and were thrilled to see him,” recalled Iyer, showcasing the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the event. Keeping fond memories of those early days alive, Iyer has built on his early love for cricket to become one of the bright stars of the IPL himself.
Since his debut in 2015, Shreyas Iyer has amassed 3,127 runs, with significant achievements along the way. He won the 'Emerging Player' award during his first season with the Delhi Capitals, scoring 439 runs at impressive averages and strike rates. His efforts led to being named the captain of Delhi Capitals where he guided his team to the finals and also achieved success with the Kolkata Knight Riders under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir. Iyer’s current challenge will be to lead Punjab Kings effectively when they kick off their campaign for the upcoming season against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25, 2025.
The intertwining stories of Jadeja's mentorship under Warne and Iyer's humble beginnings as a ball boy showcase the rich history of the IPL, highlighting the league's capacity to mold young talents and create lasting memories. Both players carry forward their experiences, creating pathways for the future of cricket. With the IPL 2025 season just around the corner, the legacy of its inaugural tournament continues to rise, reminding fans how far the league has come since its inception.
