Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has received high praise from former cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu for his recent exploits in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah was exceptional in the entire series and was also named the Player of the Series.
Sandhu compared Bumrah with the legendary Kapil Dev and claimed that the 31-year-old could have led India to victory even if he was a little fit. Describing Bumrah as a 'dakhous' cricketer, Sandhu described Bumrah as a bowler who can beat any batsman in the world.
Bumrah 'could have led India to victory in Sydney if he had been fit – Balwinder Sandhu
While speaking to TOI, Balwinder Sandhu was asked about Jasprit Bumrah's unfortunate injury on the penultimate day of the last Test match in Sydney. Sandhu believes Bumrah could have led India to victory if he had been fit enough to play.
“Absolutely. (Jasprit) Bumrah is a wicket-taker. Even though it was a wicket-taker, Bumrah had that ability – he could lead India to victory. Australia would have found it very difficult if he had been there. The match was one of the best,” Sandhu said. “The result could be in our favor if he plays.”
Jasprit Bumrah was injured on day two of the Sydney Test and as a result, did not come out to play in Australia's second innings during the run chase. Bumrah's absence was felt by India and despite a hot wicket in Sydney, they were unable to trouble the Australians for long.
Kapil Dev's moment of ultimate courage
Balwinder Sandhu also remembers the moment when Kapil Dev led India to a stunning win over Australia despite his injury. It is believed that India fouled Jasprit Bumrah on the third day of the Sydney Test which led to their defeat.
“This match reminded me of the match in which Kapil (Dev) had trouble and a hamstring problem against Australia (MCG Test in 1981). Karsan (Ghavri) bowled Greg Chappell with a brilliant delivery the other day,” Sandhu recalled.
“Kapil did not take to the field that day, but he showed incredible courage when he came out the next day and took all the remaining Australian wickets to lead us to victory,” he added.
“Australia needed 140 (143) runs in that match and Kapil did the job for us. He tore up the Australian batting line-up. It was brilliant bowling by him. So, it is very important to have such a pace bowler,” Sandhu explained. “Your team in critical situations, that's where India missed Bumrah.”
Balwinder Sandhu describes Jasprit Bumrah as a 'khadoos' cricketer.
According to Balwinder Sandhu, Jasprit Bumrah would have played had he been 1% fit. It is believed that Australia would have found it very difficult to win if Bumrah had been present on the final day.
“If Bumrah had been even one percent fit, he would have definitely bowled. I could see it on his face when he was in the dugout. He is a typical khadoos cricketer, he can take any hit,” exclaimed Sandhu.
“I'm sure he was in a lot of pain, otherwise he would have come out to play. But the Australians would have had a tough time if he had been there. We could have won the game,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at an impressive average of 13.06. He emerged as the highest paid player in the series and was far above the rest.
Bumrah carried the inexperienced Indian bowling attack on his shoulders and single-handedly proved to be a nightmare for the Australian batting line-up.