Jaspreet Singh: From Punjab to the World Cup – An Uber-Cool Journey

What have you done for cricket? It’s a question often posed to gauge one’s devotion to the sport. The answers are varied, often rooted in personal experiences – perhaps missing a Valentine’s Day date for a Brendon McCullum masterclass, or the elation of Virat Kohli’s first IPL win. But how many can say they drove for Uber to reach the pinnacle of the game?

Meet Jaspreet Singh, the Italian pacer with a story that’s as unique as it is inspiring. His journey to the T20 World Cup is a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream.

A Dream Rooted in India

Born to Teerth Singh in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, Punjab, Jaspreet, like countless Indian children, initially dreamt of wearing the Indian blue. However, fate had a different path in store. He now proudly represents Italy, a nation where a significant Indian diaspora – nearly 200,000 strong – has kept the flame of cricket alive.

In an interview with The Quint, Jaspreet recounts his journey. He initially didn’t realize the strength of cricket within the Italian community, even in a country celebrated for its football prowess.

From Local Clubs to the Italian National Team

Jaspreet’s talent and pace quickly gained recognition, leading to opportunities with local clubs and eventually an invitation to the Italian High Performance Camp. He admits he didn’t even know Italy could qualify for a global stage like the T20 World Cup until he was actively participating in the qualifiers.

The Challenges of Cricket in Italy

One of the biggest hurdles for cricket in Italy, as captain Wayne Madsen also pointed out, is the scarcity of grass pitches. Recognizing the need to hone his skills on surfaces comparable to international standards, Jaspreet made the difficult decision to leave Italy – for the second time in his life – and relocate to England.

The ‘Side Hustle’ That Kept the Dream Alive

Playing local cricket in England wasn’t enough to cover his expenses. Enter Uber. Jaspreet took on driving as a “side hustle” – a term he uses with a touch of Gen Z sensibility – to fund his cricketing ambitions. This wasn’t a temporary measure; he continued driving for Uber even while Italy was competing for a World Cup spot.

“Even when Italy were competing for a T20 World Cup slot, Jaspreet had to stick to his regime as an Uber driver,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion.

Gratitude and Inspiration

Jaspreet credits his wife, Suprit Kaur, for her unwavering support, acknowledging that he might have been forced to abandon his career without her encouragement. He expresses a slight regret at not being grouped with India, as he deeply admires Jasprit Bumrah and is eager to test his skills against England’s Jos Buttler.

Currently, Jaspreet is the only player of Indian origin in the Italian team, which boasts a diverse roster of players with Pakistani and Sri Lankan heritage. He believes their unity is their greatest strength.

A Family Affair

With his family’s support firmly behind him, Jaspreet Singh is ready to make his mark on the T20 World Cup stage. His story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, resilience, and a little help from a ride-sharing app, dreams can come true.

You can learn more about Jaspreet Singh’s journey here.