India's fast bowler jasprit bumrah received high praise from former cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu for his recent exploits in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah was exceptional overall series and was also named Player of the Series.
Sandhu compared Bumrah to the legendary Kapil Dev and claimed that the 31-year-old could have led India to victory even if he was a bit out of form. Calling Bumrah a “khadoos” cricketer, Sandhu called Bumrah a bowler who can get under the skin of any batsman in the world.
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Bumrah 'could have led India to a win in Sydney if he was fit – Balwinder Sandhu
While talking to TOI, Balwinder Sandhu was asked about Jasprit Bumrah's unfortunate injury on the penultimate day of the final Test match in Sydney. Sandhu feels that Bumrah could have led India to victory had he been fit enough to play.
“Certainly. (Jasprit) Bumrah is a wicket-taking bowler. Even if it was a small target, Bumrah has this skill – he could have taken India to a win. Australia it would have been very difficult for him if he had been there. The result of the match could have been in our favor if he had played,” said Sandhu.
Jasprit Bumrah picked up an injury on the second day of the Sydney Test and as a result did not bowl in Australia's second innings during their chase. India felt Bumrah's absence and despite a spicy wicket in Sydney, they couldn't trouble the Aussies for long.
Kapil Dev's moment of extreme bravery
Balwinder Sandhu further recalled a moment when Kapil Dev led India to an incredible win over Australia despite being injured. He feels India missed Jasprit Bumrah on the third day of the Sydney Test which led to their defeat.
“This match reminded me of the one when Kapil (Dev) had a problem and a hamstring problem against Australia (MCG Test in 1981). Karsan (Ghavri) bowled Greg Chappell with a superb delivery with a the day before,” Sandhu recalled.
“Kapil didn't take the field that day, but he showed incredible courage by coming out the very next day and claiming all the remaining Australian wickets to lead us to victory,” he added.
“Australia needed 140 runs (143) in that match and Kapil did the job for us. Destroyed the Australian batting line-up. It was brilliant bowling from him. So it is very important to have such a key player. in your team in critical situations, that's where Bumrah missed.
Balwinder Sandhu calls Jasprit Bumrah a 'khadoos' cricketer.
According to Balwinder Sandhu, Jasprit Bumrah could have played if he was even 1 percent fit. He feels it would have been extremely difficult for Australia to win had Bumrah been there on the last day.
“If Bumrah was even 1 per cent fit, he would have bowled for sure. I saw his face when he was in the dugout. He is a typical khadoos cricketer and can get under the skin of any batsman,” he exclaimed Sandhu.
“I'm sure he must have been in significant pain; otherwise he would have bowled out. But the Australians would have had a tough time if he had been there. We could have won the match,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at an incredible average of 13.06. He emerged as the greatest player of the series and was a cut above the rest.
Bumrah carried India's inexperienced bowling attack on his shoulders and single-handedly proved to be a nightmare for Australia's batting line-up.