'Still trying to process it': Rajasthan-born Jai Moondra leads Ireland's emotional celebrations after historic series win over India

Ireland players after winning the series against India. (Video grab)

NEW DELHI: Jai Moondra admitted he was still struggling to believe what had just happened after inspiring Ireland to one of the greatest moments in the country's cricket history, as emotional celebrations broke out following the hosts' stunning 2-0 T20I series sweep over reigning world champions India. The software engineer from Rajasthan's Tonk, who only made his international debut for Ireland in the series, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series after dismantling India's star-studded batting line-up once again. Moondra claimed 3 for 32, removing Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer, as Ireland defended 154 to seal a dramatic one-run victory at Stormont. Videos released after the match captured jubilant scenes, with Ireland players celebrating a landmark triumph that secured their first-ever series win over India in any format and ended the visitors' 16-series winning streak in T20Is.

'Still trying to sink in the feeling'

Despite becoming the unlikely hero of the series, Moondra said the magnitude of the achievement was yet to fully register. "Still trying to sink in the feeling. I know it's hard to describe in one word. It's an amazing feeling playing against the best, testing yourself," he said. The left-arm pacer revealed that his approach throughout the series was simply to stick to the basics. "So just doing the basic for longer, that was the plan. Credit to team members and management. Keep it simple. There are gonna be tough times, but keep calm and composed and do your thing," he explained. Moondra also reflected on the setbacks he had overcome before reaching this stage of his career. "Everyone has ups and downs, so you just have to hang in there and keep going through that. Nothing more."WATCH: Ireland players celebrate historic win

'They made me feel like one of them'

The 29-year-old credited Ireland's dressing-room environment for helping him settle seamlessly into international cricket. "They made me feel like I was one of them, nothing different from that. It was amazing, good environment, good people. So just doing the duty they have given to me," he said. Asked about bowling to experienced opener Sanju Samson, Moondra said he never deviated from his plans despite the challenge. "Just keep it simple, do what you have been doing. It's gonna be tough, little margin for error. So just keep what you have been doing and stick to the plan," he added. His disciplined execution paid rich dividends as he dismissed Samson and Abhishek Sharma for first-ball ducks before sending back Iyer to leave India reeling at 35 for 4. Even after collecting the Player of the Series award after just two international appearances, Moondra admitted the fairytale was difficult to comprehend. "Oh, I'm still trying to process it," Moondra said. For Ireland, the celebrations reflected far more than just another bilateral series victory. After backing up their opening win with another inspired performance, Lorcan Tucker's side showed their breakthrough success was no fluke, producing arguably the greatest T20I achievement in the nation's history against the world's best team.

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