JASPRIT BUMRAH'S FAMILY ONCE COULDN'T AFFORD A 'PACKET OF MILK,' REVEALS CRICKETER'S NEIGHBOUR AFTER T20 WC WIN

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s celebrated pacer, emerged victorious in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, clinching the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' title. Celebrating this triumph, journalist Deepal Trivedi, a close neighbour and family friend of Bumrah, penned a touching tribute, shedding light on his humble beginnings in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Trivedi, admittedly not well-versed in cricket, opened up about her deep bond with Bumrah’s family, particularly his mother Daljit, whom she describes as her best friend. Reflecting on the early days, she recalled being asked by Daljit to take a day off work in 1993 for the birth of her son.

"That was my first time touching a newborn baby. All I remember was that the baby was lanky. He was trying to smile but couldn’t quite manage it. The nurse said he was a boy. He was thin and weak. And the doctor soon took charge," Trivedi reminisced warmly.

Facing Challenges and Rise to Legend Status

Detailing the challenges faced by the Bumrah family after the tragic loss of Jasprit's father, Trivedi shared, "My friend’s husband passed away soon. Life changed drastically. We were hopeless. That entire month, I took care of the kids, reading to them. The boy was never interested and instead started playing with a cheap plastic ball. Sometimes, I would eat their biscuits because I was starving while babysitting. We starved, struggled, cried, and fought."

“But 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 atleast 16-18 hours a day,’ she added.

Trivedi further highlighted the financial hardships they endured, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Daljit, who worked tirelessly for their survival. She recounted a moment when she bought a windcheater for young Jasprit, foregoing personal luxuries to support him.

"I remember once I received a raise at work and went to Westside, the poshest shop I knew, to buy a kurta. Jasprit, about eight years old, was there with his mother, 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," Trivedi shared affectionately.

Praising Bumrah's evolution from a shy child to a cricketing legend, Trivedi commended his humility and pivotal role in India's recent World Cup triumph. She concluded with heartfelt sentiments, underscoring the pride every Indian should feel for his achievements.

The emotional post, accompanied by cherished photos of Bumrah with his family, resonated deeply with fans, amassing 1.9 million views and sparking an outpouring of admiration and support.