Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, was all smiles on Tuesday, August 19, as he proudly showcased a signed AC Milan jersey from football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 31-year-old pacer revealed the special gift on Instagram, calling it one of the most memorable moments of his sporting journey.
The shirt, carrying Ibrahimovic’s signature and a personal note, was a surprise gift brought home by Bumrah’s wife, sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan. Sharing the post, Bumrah wrote, “Wohoo, words fall short. Ecstatic!” alongside the prized possession. To make the post more special, he added the iconic 2013 Sanjin & Youthman track, inspired by Zlatan’s unbelievable bicycle kick against England in 2012—a strike that made the Swede immortal in football folklore.
This isn’t the first time Bumrah has shown his love for football. The speedster, known for his yorkers and relentless accuracy, is an ardent follower of the sport and often admires global icons. Just last month, during India’s Test series against England, Bumrah and his teammates had a memorable interaction with Manchester United stars.
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From exchanging jerseys to capturing fun moments, the crossover between two sporting powerhouses delighted fans worldwide. One of the highlights of that evening was Bumrah swapping shirts with United defender Harry Maguire.
Jasprit Bumrah received Signed football jersey from Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GNEHi0NgY1
— DIVYANSH CHAUHAN (@Imchauhan28) August 19, 2025
The Englishman later thanked the Indian quick on Instagram, appreciating the gesture, while Bumrah reciprocated with equal warmth—reflecting the mutual admiration between elite athletes.
However, off the field, the past few weeks haven’t been easy for Bumrah. After flying back midway through the England Test series, the pacer faced criticism over workload management and questions about his long-term future in red-ball cricket. Despite bagging two five-wicket hauls at Headingley and Lord’s, critics debated whether the constant physical strain and recurring back issues might eventually shorten his Test career.
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Still, moments like Ibrahimovic’s gift remind fans of Bumrah’s wide appeal and the respect he commands across global sport. For a cricketer who thrives on passion and discipline, such recognition from a football great is not just memorabilia—it’s validation of his stature as a modern-day sporting icon.
