India lost the opening T20I against Ireland by 34 runs in Belfast on Friday, but for the people of Rajasthan’s Tonk district, the big moment was the international debut of Irish left-arm pacer Jai Moondra. The 29-year-old claimed two wickets, including Sanju Samson’s first ball of his career, as Ireland registered their first ever international win against India.Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25 from four overs after also removing Shivam Dube.Back in Tonk, his family gathered to watch the game together. He cheered for the Indian batsmen but celebrated every time Jai took a wicket. Although disappointed by India’s defeat, he said he was proud of Jai’s performance.His mother, Vidya Moondra, told the news agency ANI, “I am sad that India lost, but my son did very well and brought good things to his family, Rajasthan and the country. I am proud of him. He took two wickets. Everyone who saw him play used to tell us to make him a cricketer. After class 10, he focused on cricket to complete his education because he completed his studies and then joined the academy.His uncle, Kanhaiya Lal Moondra, also spoke on the occasion.“I can’t express my happiness in words. The passion with which my son played, he made history. I am getting many 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 ground where Indian fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed was also trained, ANI reported. He represented Tonk and Rajasthan at the Under-14 level before moving to Ireland in May 2021 to pursue an MTech degree.ALSO READ: Who is Jai Moondra? The Rajasthan-born Irish pacer is making 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 worked his way into Ireland. After receiving Irish citizenship in 2025, he earned a place in the national team.Jai was quick to act after taking the attack in the second play of India’s innings. He bowled Sanju Samson with the first delivery of his spell and conceded 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 bowled the ball to him, and Jai ended up catching the last ball of the over after conceding six runs.He almost finished with three wickets in the final, but Harshit Rana was bowled on the last ball. Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25, which was instrumental in Ireland’s victory.Ireland and India meet again in the second T20I in Belfast on Sunday, as the players look to seal the series.
