India lost the opening T20I against Ireland by 34 runs in Belfast on Friday, but for people in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, the biggest moment was the international debut of left-arm pacer Jai Moondra for Ireland. The 29-year-old picked up two wickets, including Sanju Samson with the first ball of his spell, as Ireland registered their first-ever international win over India.
Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25 from four overs after also dismissing Shivam Dube.
Back in Tonk, his family gathered to watch the match together. They cheered for the Indian batters but celebrated whenever Jai took a wicket. While they were disappointed with India’s defeat, they said they were proud of Jai’s performance.
His mother, Vidya Moondra, told news agency ANI, “I am sad that India lost, but my son performed so well and brought laurels to his family, Rajasthan and the country. I am proud of him. He picked up two wickets. Everyone who ever watched him play used to tell us to make him a Cricketer. After 10th grade, he focused more on his studies because his father wanted him to get a degree first and then focus on cricket. He completed his education and then pursued this. He had joined an academy.”
His uncle, Kanhaiya Lal Moondra, also spoke about the occasion.
“I cannot describe my joy in words. The passion with which my son played, he created history. I am getting so many phone calls that he played so 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 India fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed 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.
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While studying, he continued playing club cricket and joined 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’s domestic system. After receiving Irish citizenship in 2025, he earned his place in the national team.
Jai made an immediate impact after coming into the attack in the second over of India’s innings. He bowled Sanju Samson with the first delivery of his spell and gave away only seven runs in that over. He returned in the fifth over and conceded just four runs.
His second wicket came in the 16th over when Shivam Dube hit the ball back to him, and Jai completed a return catch off the final ball of the over after giving away six runs.
He almost finished with three wickets in his last over, but Harshit Rana was dropped off the final ball. Jai ended with figures of 2 for 25, playing a key role in Ireland’s win.
Ireland and India will meet again in the second T20I in Belfast on Sunday, with the hosts looking to seal the series.