‘Dream come true’ – Jaipur-born Jai Moondra reflects after a historic debut against India

It was a debut to remember for Ireland left-arm pacer Jai Moondra, who announced himself on the international stage in the most dramatic fashion possible by dismissing Sanju Samson with the very first ball of his international career.

The historic breakthrough came during the opening T20I against India at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on June 26, where Ireland pulled off a memorable victory to register their first-ever senior international win over India.Among the standout performers was Moondra, who returned figures of 2/25 on debut.

The 29-year-old’s dream spell began with the prized wicket of Samson off his very first delivery in international cricket, instantly etching his name into the record books.Reflecting on his unforgettable debut, the left-arm pacer admitted it was a moment he will treasure forever.

“It was a big stage for me, for my family and my team members, they were all rooting for me so all I can do is keep calm and keep doing what I have been doing because it’s kept me levelling up,” Moondra was quoted as saying by BBC Sports.

“I was feeling excitement at the same time. Testing myself against India and getting a first-ball wicket, I was trying not to be overwhelmed because we still had nine wickets to go.It is a dream come true to get on to an international platform and play against India. It’s something special, a class feeling,” he continued. 

Born in Tonk, a town near Jaipur in Rajasthan, Moondra’s path to international cricket was far from conventional. He moved to Ireland in 2021 to pursue a master’s degree in Electronics and Communication, putting his cricketing ambitions on the back burner.

However, after settling in Dublin, he resumed playing the sport and quickly made an impression with Leinster Cricket Club. He was part of the side that lifted the Irish Senior Cup in 2023 and also became a regular feature for Leinster Lightning in domestic cricket.

An injury to Ireland’s premier left-arm pacer Josh Little eventually opened the door for Moondra’s maiden international call-up, and the Rajasthan-born seamer grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Expressing his gratitude after his remarkable debut, Moondra credited Cricket Ireland for believing in him.

“Cricket Ireland gave me the opportunity. I’m really fortunate for that. It’s nothing more than doing the duty. I’m just doing what I have been doing,” he concluded.

After shocking the world champions in the first match, Ireland will be hoping to clinch the series 2-0 with a yet another good outing in the second T20I on June 28.