Jasprit Bumrah, ‘once a shy child, now a legend': Read his neighbour's emotional note

Jasprit Bumrah, ‘once a shy child, now a legend': Read his neighbour's emotional note

Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah's neighbour congratulated her "hero" in an emotional post after his stunning performance in the T20 World Cup Final in Barbados on June 29. As India beat South Africa by seven runs, Bumrah played a pivotal role with the ball for the Men in Blue by picking 2/18 in four overs dismissing Reeza Hendricks (4 off 5) and Marco Jansen (2 off 4).

Deepal Trivedi, who was "lucky" to have held Jasprit "first" in her hands after his birth, wrote a lengthy note on X on June 30 that was filled with anecdotes about the India star and also included a powerful message of perseverance and determination.

Addressing Bumrah as a "legend" who was once a "shy child", Deepal said that although her "cricket knowledge is zero", she decided to write the "long post" for her "hero". Deepal is Bumrah's mother Daljit's best friend and used to be her neighbour as well at the time of his birth.

Narrating the story of Bumrah's birth, Deepal said, "One day in December 1993, when my salary was less than Rs 800 a month, my best friend and next door neighbour compelled me to take a leave. She was expecting. I must have been 22-23 years old also and I spent most of my day at a hospital in Paldi area that December in Ahmedabad. My friend Daljit's husband Jasbir had stepped out for a few minutes when the nurse shouted our name and later put a baby in my shaky hands. That was my first time touching a new born baby. All I remember was the baby was lanky. He was trying to smile but he really didn't. The nurse said he was a boy. He was thin and weak. And the doctor soon took charge. My friend was very happy. I was already a god mother to her daughter Juhika."

This story is no less than a "Bollywood film," Deepal said, adding that she soon became a political reporter and got a raise: "Bought some ice cream that we shared. We as next door neighbours shared everything. I didn't own a phone, fridge or even a bed! We shared a wall and her house was my Haven."

Life changed after Bumrah's father Jasbir Singh passed away. "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 coz' I was starving while babysitting. We starved, we struggled, we cried, we fought. With life. Juhika, the daughter whose godmother I was and is the most beautiful child I had ever seen and she gave me hope. With her smile and a tight hug. That she still gives," Deepal said.

"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 at least 16-18 hours a day," she added.

After her increment, Deepal went to buy a kurta for herself but ended up buying a windcheater for Bumrah who accompanied her with his mother.

"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 or who ever."

Bumrah was a "shy reticent child" back then but is a "legend now", Deepal said, adding: "Every Indian must be proud of him and learn from him. His humility has remain unchanged. His name is Jasprit Bumrah."

In an encouraging message in her post, Deepal asserted: "I have written this long post to emphasise that don't give up coz' God never gives up on us. I am so lucky to have held Jasprit first in my hands. That moment often gives me hope to face life as and when I face difficult situations. His mother Daljit is of course solely responsible for raising such wonderful resilient kids."

Deepal reiterated that she doesn't write personal posts, but she wanted to this time because "I don't want anyone in life to lose hope."

"Think of Jasprit Bumrah. His struggles. And how God has helped him. God will help all of us but first we have to help ourselves. Please join me in congratulating my baby Jasprit Bumrah. For World Cup victory," she said while apologising to Bumrah, saying: "Sorry Jasprit, I didn't watch the match but I love you!"

Deepal's post, which has gone viral with over 1 million views, also features pictures of her with Bumrah and his family.

Jasprit Bumrah, 30, was also awarded Player of the Tournament for his exceptional bowling throughout the World Cup. He became just the second Indian to win the coveted award after Virat Kohli, who won it twice in back-to-back editions of 2014 and 2016.

Bumrah finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 15 wickets to his name from eight innings at an average of 8.26 and an economy of 4.17.