On Saturday, Indians across the world celebrated as India lifted the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy after a nerve-wracking match against the brilliant South Africa cricket team. Team India etched history that night as they became the first team to win the men’s T20 World Cup without losing a game all tournament. All eight matches they played in the tournament were won by the team.
One of the star players who has been a consistent winning force for the team throughout the tournament was Jasprit Bumrah. Interestingly, his childhood neighbour, journalist Deepal Trivedi, took to social media to share a heartwarming tribute, narrating stories about the legendary bowler’s humble childhood.
View this post on Instagram
Deepal Trivedi is Jasprit and his elder sister Juhika’s Godmother. With no knowledge of cricket herself, Deepal’s admiration for Jasprit stems from their shared history and his incredible achievements despite his troubled childhood.
Deepal shared how in December 1993, she was compelled by her best friend and neighbour Daljit to take the day off work as she was expecting a child. Deepal, then in her early twenties, spent the day at a hospital in Ahmedabad. When the nurse placed a newborn baby boy in her hands, Deepal’s life changed forever. The baby was Jasprit Bumrah, who appeared weak and lanky. Despite his fragile start, Jasprit went on to become a cricket legend.
Deepal recalled the struggles they faced, especially after Daljit’s husband passed away. Deepal, Daljit, and the children endured many hardships, including financial difficulties.
“My friend’s husband passed away soon. Life changed. We were hopeless. That whole month, I handled the kids. Read to them. The boy was never interested and started playing with his cheap stupid plastic ball. I also sometimes ate their biscuits because I was starving while babysitting. We starved, we struggled, we cried, we fought,” she wrote.
One touching memory Deepal shared was of buying Jasprit a windcheater from Westside, a luxury she could barely afford. Jasprit, a shy child, cherished this gift. Deepal sacrificed her own needs to bring a smile to his face, highlighting the deep bond they shared.
“The boy’s struggles were worst. We could hardly afford him a packet of Amul Dairy or any milk. We were all busy struggling to meet ends as he grew up. His mother worked at least 16-18 hours a day. I remember once I got some increment and I went to Westside, the most posh shop I then knew to buy a kurta. Jasprit was there, must be 8 years old with his mom, hiding behind her dupatta. He wanted a windcheater. That’s my only gift to him. I spent Diwali, Christmas and my birthday without a new kurta. But his windcheater gave me the satisfaction of wearing a Rajdeep Ranawat or a Manish Malhotra,” she shared.
Very lovingly Deepal wrote about Jasprit Bumrah, “Unlike his sister, he was a shy reticent child. He is a legend now.”
Have a look at her full post here:
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 hopes Jasprit’s story inspires others to never lose hope and to keep striving, as success is often just around the corner.