The Indian star cricketer Jasprit Bumrah and his wife Sanjana Ganesan who is a sports journalist by profession recently opened up about their unique engagement story, which unfolded amid the strict COVID-19 protocols of the IPL 2020 in the UAE.
Speaking to former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his wife Geeta Basra, the couple revisited those memorable moments from the tournament held under bio-secure bubbles.
As Jasprit Bumrah recounted, the situation back then was challenging, with each IPL team confined to its own bubble, restricting any personal interaction outside the cricketing field. Sanjana, who was covering the tournament as a presenter with Kolkata Knight Riders, and Jasprit Bumrah, representing Mumbai Indians, were both stationed in Abu Dhabi. Despite their closeness in location, pandemic protocols kept them apart, save for occasional glances and brief professional exchanges on the ground.
Hopeful and determined, Jasprit Bumrah carried a ring throughout the tournament, waiting for the right moment. When the opportunity presented itself, he reached out to IPL officials, requesting a special bubble-to-bubble transfer for Sanjana. Once granted, he took it upon himself to prepare a surprise proposal. He decorated his room, arranged a cake and set up candles on the balcony that overlooked the beach.
Sanjana recalled her confusion upon entering Bumrah’s room, only to be immediately urged by him to step out onto the balcony. Slightly bewildered, she questioned why she was being rushed before even being offered a glass of water but Bumrah persisted. What awaited her was a romantic setting, though not without its challenges. Jasprit Bumrah laughed as he shared the struggle of trying to keep the candles lit despite the beach winds repeatedly blowing them out.
The couple’s love story blossomed during a time of global uncertainty and limited human connection, making their engagement all the more special. They got married in 2021 after dating for more than two years and in 2023, welcomed their son Angad into the world.
Presently, Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan are in England where Team India is locked in a five-Test series as part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bumrah, team India’s standout performer in the first Test at Headingley, delivered a stellar bowling performance, though it could not prevent a five-wicket defeat.
As the team prepares for the next match in Birmingham, there remains uncertainty over whether Jasprit Bumrah will feature or be rested to manage his workload.
