As IPL 2025 heads toward its playoff phase, one name is unexpectedly stealing the spotlight—not a cricketer, but an umpire. Amid a sea of cricketing stars, Parashar Joshi, a former Indian Idol contestant, is turning heads with his unique career transformation from reality show singer to officiating high-stakes matches in the world’s most glamorous cricket league.

Back in 2008, Parashar Joshi was chasing musical dreams on Indian Idol Season 4, making it to the piano round after facing rejections for three consecutive years. His journey in music earned him recognition, but fate had other plans. A native of Pune, Joshi also had a passion for cricket and had played at the club level—something that eventually drew him toward umpiring.

After years of dedication, Joshi made his umpiring debut in domestic cricket, officiating in prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. In 2024, he was seen umpiring in the Women's Premier League (WPL), where fans noticed his striking resemblance to cricketer Shreyas Iyer, sparking a buzz online.

His big IPL break came on 5 April 2025, when he stood as an on-field umpire in the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Now, with 55 matches played in the season so far, Joshi is among seven new umpires making their IPL debut this year.

Even while officiating under the intense pressure of IPL crowds and live broadcasts, Parashar Joshi hasn’t let go of his first love—music. He continues to perform as a singer alongside his umpiring career, proudly balancing two contrasting worlds with grace and dedication.