ICC T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Jasprit Bumrah's Ahmedabad Alma Mater
In a moment of immense pride for Ahmedabad, the official trophy of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup arrived at Nirman School in Vastrapur on Wednesday morning. The visit was met with enthusiastic cheers from students, who greeted the prestigious silverware with resounding chants of "Boom Boom Bumrah", celebrating their illustrious alumnus and Team India's bowling spearhead.
Celebrating a Local Hero's Journey
The trophy tour is designed to honor the alma maters of all players selected for Team India, and Nirman School holds a special place as the institution where Jasprit Bumrah honed his skills before rising to cricketing stardom. For two hours on Wednesday morning, approximately 5,000 students, invited guests, and school staff had the opportunity to view the trophy up close, creating a memorable experience for the entire community.
Among the special guests present were Bumrah's mother, Daljit Bumrah, who served as the school principal for 11 years, and his Ranji Trophy coach, Jayendra Saigal. Students eagerly lined up to get autographs from Daljit Bumrah, showcasing the deep connection between the family and the school.
Personal Insights from Bumrah's Mother
In an exclusive conversation, Daljit Bumrah shared heartfelt details about her son's journey and personal life. She emphasized his dedication, stating, "He worked very hard. He was always interested in cricket." However, she revealed a surprising family dynamic, noting, "When he is playing, I don't watch the game. It is so stressful for me to watch the game live. I prefer watching the highlights. When we are together, we never discuss cricket in our family."
She also shed light on Bumrah's dietary preferences, mentioning, "He does not eat sweets often. He likes Gujarati and Punjabi cuisine and is fond of jowar and millet rotis." Expressing her support, she wished Team India the best for the upcoming ICC tournament, which is set to be held in India after a long gap of 17 years.
Coach's Reflections on Bumrah's Early Days
Coach Jayendra Saigal provided fascinating insights into Bumrah's formative years. He recalled, "At the time when Bumrah used to play Ranji Trophy matches, he used to bat as well. He later became a fast bowler." Saigal highlighted Bumrah's unique approach, saying, "We found his action unorthodox. We slotted him in the team as its 16th member." He also praised Bumrah's consistency, adding, "Even today, whenever he comes to the Gujarat College ground, there is no change in his practice schedule."
Trophy Tour Across Gujarat
The trophy's journey in Gujarat included multiple stops at the alma maters of other Indian cricket stars:
- Before arriving in Ahmedabad, the trophy was displayed at Vadodara's MK School, the alma mater of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
- After its visit to Nirman School, the trophy proceeded to Nadiad's Dharmsinh Desai University, where all-rounder Axar Patel studied.
This tour not only celebrates the achievements of Indian cricketers but also inspires young students across the state, reinforcing the message that dedication and passion can lead to global recognition.