Jai Moondra's Cricket Journey and Call-Up to Ireland's T20 Squad Against India Jai Moondra, a 29-year-old left-arm fast bowler and all-rounder, was stunned when National Men’s Selector Andrew White called him into the Ireland Men’s T20 squad for a series against India. The news, delivered by phone last Friday, marked a significant milestone in Moondra’s career. Born in Tonk, a small town near Jaipur, India, Moondra moved to Ireland in 2021 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Electronics and Communication. Despite his Indian roots, he has embraced his role as an Irish cricketer, driven by a passion for the sport and a desire to represent his adopted country. Moondra’s cricket journey began at a young age, with early exposure to the game leading him to join an academy to refine his fast bowling technique. During his time there, he also developed his batting skills and experimented with spin bowling, earning a classification as a top-order batter and left-arm spinner by age 16. However, he chose to prioritize his studies, stepping back from cricket to focus on academics. After completing his degree in 2019, he faced a dilemma: accept a corporate job or pursue cricket full-time. Opting for the latter, he quit his corporate role and returned to the sport with renewed determination. At 24, Moondra relocated to Ireland and joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin. His dedication paid off when he became part of the Irish Senior Cup-winning team in 2023. Reflecting on the experience, Moondra described the domestic cricket scene as both competitive and welcoming, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for growth. “Playing in the Irish domestic scene is very exciting,” he said. “You have competitive teams and a very welcoming environment—good people and a good atmosphere.#tonk #cricket_ireland #jai_moondra #andrew_white #leinster_cricket_club
Rajasthan Weather Update: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected in Multiple Districts A severe weather warning has been issued for several districts in Rajasthan as the state braces for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has activated an orange alert for Jaipur city, Alwar, Tonk, and Sikar, with additional yellow alerts for other regions. The weather forecast indicates that strong winds up to 50 km/h, along with lightning, could accompany the rain, prompting authorities to advise residents to take precautions. The IMD has warned that the weather conditions are expected to shift abruptly, with the current system causing unexpected changes. While dry weather was initially predicted for most areas on 23rd and 24th March, the sudden activation of a new weather system has disrupted the forecast. The department has advised the public to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing under trees, and unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage. Travel plans are also recommended to be postponed until the weather stabilizes. Recent weather reports from the previous day showed light rain in Pokaran and Phalodi, with temperatures fluctuating. Barmer recorded the highest temperature at 35.2°C, while Jaipur saw a slightly cooler 31.2°C. Despite the rain, the weather has been described as pleasant in some regions, though farmers have expressed concerns over the impact on crops. The Meteorological Director, Radhe Shyam Sharma, confirmed that a weaker western disturbance is expected to activate on 25th and 26th March, potentially bringing another round of storms and heavy rainfall to 15 districts. This could lead to prolonged periods of adverse weather, requiring continued vigilance from both authorities and the public.#rajasthan #jaipur #india_meteorological_department #alwar #tonk
