Mumbai, India — Cricket fans often see their favorite stars delivering match-winning performances on the field, but a recent conversation with several IPL players revealed a lighter and more personal side of their lives.
During an interaction hosted by veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, players including Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, and Abhishek Sharma shared nostalgic stories about their childhood memories, first mobile phones, favorite video games, and early cricket experiences.
First Mobile Phones Before Stardom
The discussion began with a fun question about the first mobile phone the players owned.
Sanju Samson recalled owning a Motorola flip phone, which was popular during the early 2000s.
Other players mentioned simpler devices as well, highlighting how their journeys began long before they became famous cricketers.
The conversation also revealed how rare smartphones once were among young players. One player remembered that in his youth team, only one teammate had an iPhone, making it a big talking point among the group.
Video Games That Defined a Generation
When asked about their first video games, the players mentioned titles that many cricket fans would instantly recognize.
One of the most popular answers was EA Sports Cricket 07, a classic cricket video game that remains a favorite among fans even today.
Others also mentioned games like GTA: Vice City and WWE, reflecting the gaming culture many young athletes grew up with.
Childhood Cricket Idols
The conversation also touched on cricket heroes who inspired the players during their formative years.
Legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Yuvraj Singh were named as major influences, demonstrating how iconic cricketers shaped the dreams of the current generation.
Early Memories of Watching Cricket
Some players shared their first experiences watching live cricket matches in stadiums.
One cricketer remembered attending an IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab, a game that left a lasting impression on him as a young fan.
Interestingly, Sanju Samson revealed that the first match he watched from inside a stadium was actually a game he was playing in, highlighting how quickly his career moved from domestic cricket to the IPL spotlight.
A Glimpse Beyond the Cricket Field
While IPL stars are often known for their intense performances and competitive spirit, these stories showed a more relatable side of their lives.
From simple mobile phones to iconic video games and childhood idols, the discussion offered fans a glimpse into the personal memories that shaped some of today’s biggest cricket stars.
As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, moments like these remind fans that even the biggest players once shared the same dreams and hobbies as millions of young cricket lovers around the world.
