Jaipur. It is often said in cricket that dreams have no limits. Fast bowler Jai Mundhra, who reached the Irish national cricket team from Tonk in Rajasthan, has proved this to be true. Jai Mundhra’s performance in the T20 series against India became not only the story of Ireland’s victory but also an example of struggle, patience and hard work. The player who had once started playing cricket in the streets of Tonk, now gave such a performance against the world champion Indian team that India’s unbeaten campaign of 16 bilateral T20 series and tournaments that had been going on for almost three years came to an end.
Sanju came into limelight by dismissing Samson on the very first ball.
In the decisive match played in Belfast, India won the toss and chose to bowl first. Ireland scored 154 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. The Indian team, which set out to chase the target of 155 runs, suffered a big setback in the very beginning. Jai Mundhra got Sanju Samson out LBW on the first ball of his very first over. This became the most memorable moment of his international career. The Indian team could score only 153 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs and lost the match by one run.
How did the journey of cricket begin?
Life changed during Corona period
Cricket almost came to a standstill during the Corona epidemic. During this time, Jai decided to go to Ireland for studies. In his initial days, his entire focus was on education, but his connection with cricket was never broken. He joined the local cricket club and worked hard, performed brilliantly in domestic competitions and gradually caught the attention of the Irish selectors. On the basis of his excellent performance, he got a place in the national team.
How did you get a chance in the Ireland team?
Jai Mundhra told that he does not yet have Irish citizenship. Under ICC rules, if a player stays in a country for a specified period and plays domestic cricket there, then he can represent the national team of that country. Under this rule, he got the opportunity to play for Ireland. By performing well continuously, he strengthened his place in the team.
Jai Mundra became emotional remembering his father
Jai became very emotional after taking the wicket of Sanju Samson on the very first ball against India. At that moment he first remembered his late father. He had said, “I wish Papa could have seen me playing international cricket in the Ireland jersey. He would probably have been the happiest.” According to Jai, his father wanted him to go abroad for studies and move ahead in life. The same dream brought him to international cricket today.
Also dreamed of playing for India
Jai Mundhra says that every cricketer dreams of playing on the big stage. On the question of playing for India, he said that right now he is concentrating on giving his best for Ireland. However, if he gets an opportunity in future, it is his great desire to play in IPL.
Jai Mundhra shattered India’s dream of being invincible
This defeat was very disappointing for India. This was the team’s first bilateral T20 series after becoming T20 World Champion in March. After Suryakumar Yadav, the team entered a series for the first time under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, but Jai Mundhra’s havoc-wreaking balls created a new history by helping Ireland win the series 2-0. With this defeat, India’s unbeaten campaign of 16 consecutive bilateral T20 series and tournaments also ended.
