‘India lost, but…’. Indian Irish pacer Jai Moondra’s mother reacts after dream debut |: Cricket News:
India lost the opening T20I against Ireland by 34 runs in Belfast on Friday, but for the people of Rajasthan’s Tonk district, the biggest moment was left-arm pacer Jai Moondra’s international debut for Ireland. The 29-year-old picked up two wickets, including Sanju Samson on the first ball of his spell, as Ireland registered their first ever international win against India.Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25 from four overs after also dismissing Shivam Dube.Back in Tonk, his family gathered to watch the game together. They cheered the Indian batters but celebrated every time Jai took a wicket. While they were disappointed by India’s loss, they said they were proud of Jai’s performance.His mother, Vidya Moondra, told news agency ANI, “I am sad that India lost, but my son has done very well and brought laurels to his family, Rajasthan and the country. I am proud of him. He took two wickets. He joined an academy.”His uncle, Kanhaiya Lal Moondra, also spoke about the occasion.“I can’t describe my happiness in words. The love with which my son played, he created history. I received many phone calls that he played very well. We are sad that India lost, but we are proud of our son,” he said.Jai started playing cricket in Tonk under coach Imtiaz Ali at the same place where Indian fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed also trained, ANI reported. He represented Tonk and Rajasthan at Under-14 level before moving to Ireland in May 2021 to pursue an MTech degree.ALSO READ: Who is Jai Moondra? The Rajasthan-born pacer in Ireland made his T20I debut against IndiaWhile studying, he continued to play club cricket and joined the Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin. He was part of the team that won the Irish Senior Cup in 2023 and is working his way through Ireland’s domestic system. After receiving Irish citizenship in 2025, he secured his place in the national team.Jai made an immediate impact after attacking in the second half of India’s innings. He bowled Sanju Samson on the first delivery of his spell and gave away just seven runs in that over. He came back in the fifth over and conceded just four runs.His second wicket came in the 16th over when Shivam Dube returned the ball to him, and Jai completed a return catch from the last ball of the over after giving away six runs.He was close to taking three wickets in his last over, but Harshit Rana was dropped on the last ball. Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25, playing a vital role in Ireland’s victory.Ireland and India meet again in the second T20I in Belfast on Sunday, with the hosts looking to seal the series.
Post Comment