It was an unforgettable moment for Jaskiran Singh, a chartered accountant by profession and a net bowler at the ICC Cricket Academy, when India’s top-order batter Shreyas Iyer surprised him with a thoughtful gesture. During a Champions Trophy practice session, Iyer walked up to Jaskiran, engaged him in a friendly chat, and then handed him a pair of his own spikes.
Jaskiran Singh was fielding at long-off when Iyer approached him, asking, “Paaji, kya haal-chaal, sab badiya?” (Brother, how are you? Everything fine?). Moments later, Iyer asked his shoe size. When Jaskiran replied “10,” Iyer smiled and said, “I’ve got something for you.” He then gifted Jaskiran a pair of his spikes, leaving the net bowler both stunned and elated.
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“It really means a lot,” Jaskiran Singh shared with PTI Videos. “I am part of the ICC net bowling team for the Champions Trophy, and today was truly special. I’ve bowled to Pakistan and Bangladesh, but I was hoping for a chance to bowl to India. Though that didn’t happen, receiving these spikes from Shreyas bhai made my day.”
VIDEO | Here is what Jaskiran Singh, a Charted Accountant and part-time cricketer from UAE said after receiving a pair of shoes from India batter Shreyas Iyer on the sidelines of India’s training session in Dubai on Friday. Jaskiran has been residing in UAE for last 18 years and… pic.twitter.com/tkNPqtddaX
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2025
Jaskiran had been slightly disappointed about not getting a chance to bowl to the Indian team, as there were already enough off-spinners in their net sessions. However, Iyer’s kind act lifted his spirits, showing how players recognize and appreciate the hard work of those behind the scenes.
The young spinner also spoke about his admiration for Rishabh Pant and his desire to bowl to him. “Every Indian batter is special, but I really look up to Rishabh Pant. Since he’s a lefty, my off-spin would naturally turn away from him, making it a great challenge,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Iyer played a crucial role in India’s recent victory over Pakistan, scoring a composed half-century that helped secure a six-wicket win and a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. For Jaskiran, the tournament has already given him a memory to cherish forever—one that proves cricket is not just about the big moments on the field but also the kindness and camaraderie shared off it.
