From shy child to legend: Jasprit Bumrah's journey, an emotional note from a journalist-neighbour
PTC News Desk: Former cricket player Jasprit Bumrah's neighbor, senior journalist Deepal Trivedi, shared her heartfelt thoughts in a heartfelt article following his incredible performance that helped India win the T20 World Cup Final. Her message was jam-packed with tales about the cricket player, detailing his development from a "shy child" to the "legend" he is today.
India defeated South Africa by seven runs in Barbados on June 29, led by Bumrah's outstanding performance with the ball. By conceding just 18 runs in the innings, he stopped the Proteas' momentum and removed Marco Jansen in the final few overs.
Deepal claimed that despite having "zero knowledge of cricket," she chose to write the "long post" in honor of her "hero." The best friend of Bumrah's mother Daljit is Deepal; the two were once neighbours. She remembered the first moments following Jasprit's birth, holding him in her hands.
"One day in December 1993, when my salary was less than Rs 800 a month, my best friend and next door neighbor compelled me to take a leave," Deepal recalled, recounting the origin tale of Bumrah. She was carrying a child. That December in Ahmedabad, I must have been between 22 and 23 years old, and I spent the bulk of the day at a hospital in the Paldi neighbourhood. After a few minutes, my buddy Daljit's spouse Jasbir left the room, and the nurse called our names before placing a baby in my unsteady hands. I had never touched a newborn baby before. I just recall that the infant was lanky. He didn't really smile, even if he was trying. He was a boy, the nurse remarked. He was frail and skinny. The doctor quickly assumed control. My friend was overjoyed. Her daughter Juhika already considered me to be her godmother.
My cricket knowledge is Zero. I know Virat Kohli as Anushka's husband. He is so pleasant and I like when he tries to dance.
But this (long) post is about my hero. One day in December 1993, when my salary was less than Rs 800 a month, my best friend and next door neighbour… pic.twitter.com/uvWQmmAwwN — Deepal.Trivedi #Vo! (@DeepalTrevedie) June 30, 2024
Deepal said, "This story is no less than a "Bollywood blockbuster," and she went on to say that she soon earned a raise and started covering politics. "I bought some ice cream that we split," she continued. As neighbors next door, we were always together. I didn't even have a bed, a refrigerator, or a phone! Her home was a refuge for me, and we shared a wall.
Following the death of Bumrah's father, Jasbir Singh, things changed. "We had given up. I took care of the kids for the entire month. To them, read. The youngster began playing with his cheap, stupid plastic ball and showed no enthusiasm at all. I occasionally ate their biscuits as well because I was starving when I was watching them. We battled, we sobbed, we struggled, and we starved. in life. The most beautiful child I have ever seen, Juhika, is the daughter whose godmother I was and still am, and she gave me hope. with a firm embrace and a smile. That she remains generous," stated Deepal.
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But the boy's difficulties were more severe. We were barely able to buy him any milk or an Amul Dairy packet. As he grew older, we were all preoccupied with making ends meet. She said, "His mother worked at least sixteen to eighteen hours a day."
Deepal intended to buy a kurta for herself after her increment, but she ended up buying a windcheater for Bumrah, who was going with his mother.
"I recall going to Westside, the most upscale store I knew at the time, to buy a kurta after receiving a raise. Jasprit was there, perhaps eight years old, hiding behind his mother's dupatta. His want was a windcheater. My sole gift to him is that. I didn't buy a new kurta for my birthday, Christmas, or Diwali. However, his windcheater made me feel as though I were wearing a Manish Malhotra, Rajdeep Ranawat, or anyone.
Deepal stated that although Bumrah was once a "shy reticent child," he has since become a "legend," and that "every Indian must be proud of him and learn from him." His modesty hasn't altered. They go by Jasprit Bumrah.
Also Read: T20 World Cup prize money: South Africa earns Rs 10.67 crore, India receives...
Deepal said in a post that was meant to be encouraging: "I have written this long post to emphasise that don't give up because God never gives up on us." How fortunate I am to have held Jasprit in my hands at first. That instant usually gives me the confidence I need to handle life's challenges when they arise. Of course, only his mother Daljit is to blame for producing such amazing, resilient children.
Deepal reaffirmed that she doesn't usually publish personal content, but this time she felt compelled to do so because "I want no one in life to lose hope."
Consider Jasprit Bumrah. His challenges. Moreover, how God has supported him. We must help ourselves before God can help the rest of us. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate my baby Jasprit Bumrah. She apologized to Bumrah and said, "Sorry Jasprit, I didn't watch the match but I love you!" for the World Cup victory.
Along with photos of her with Bumrah and his family, Deepal's post went viral and received over a million views.
Jasprit Bumrah, 30, received the Player of the Tournament title as well for his outstanding bowling performance at the World Cup. He was only the second Indian to take home the prestigious trophy, following Virat Kohli, who did it twice in consecutive years in 2014 and 2016.
With 15 wickets from eight innings at an average of 8.26 and an economy of 4.17, Bumrah concluded as the second-highest wicket-taker of the competition.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma expresses gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for supportive comments on T20I retirement
- With inputs from agencies
