Jai Moondra dreams of IPL contract after demolishing India’s batting-order:Once a net bowler, Ireland’s breakout star reveals Bumrah’s advice

Jai Moondra, hailing from Tonk district of Rajasthan, while playing for Ireland, took five wickets in the two-match series against India, which concluded on Sunday. He was the second-highest wicket-taker among all bowlers. The 27-year-old Jai’s left-arm medium-pace bowling showed glimpses of Australian legend Mitchell Starc. Bhaskar had an extensive conversation with him about his journey from Tonk to Ireland and his selection in the Ireland team. Here are excerpts from that conversation… How did it start in Ireland? This story began during the time of COVID-19. Cricket was almost shut down then. I had completed my B.Tech. My father wanted me to focus on studies, so he advised me to pursue M.Tech. I got admission in Ireland and moved there. The first year, my entire focus was on studies. Until then, I had not thought that one day I would play for the national team of Ireland. Earlier, you were a left-arm spinner; then how did you become a pacer? In childhood, I used to bowl spin. My first coach in Tonk, Imtiaz Ali Sir, seeing my height, said that if you bowl fast, you can go further. I followed his advice and my life changed from there. Father sent you abroad for studies. How did you get into cricket? People think that my father was against cricket, but that was not the case at all. He wanted my future to be secure. So he said, ‘First complete your studies.’ After reaching Ireland, I joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin. Then I got the opportunity to play in the Irish Senior Cup. When I took Sanju Samson’s wicket in the first match, I remembered my father. It’s a pity that my father is no longer in this world. Did you ever feel that you should have played for India? Every cricketer dreams of playing at a higher level. But I don’t think much about it. Wherever I have got an opportunity, I want to give my best. Currently, my entire focus is on performing well for Ireland. Last time the Indian team came to Ireland, were you a net bowler? Yes, at that time I bowled to Indian players in the nets. I also spoke with Jasprit Bumrah. He said only one thing, whatever opportunity you get, play with full focus. That advice is still alive in my mind. Would you like to play in the IPL? Absolutely, every cricketer wants to play in the IPL. If I get an opportunity in the future, I would definitely like to play. But currently, my priority is to perform consistently well for Ireland.