‘Khadoos’ Jasprit Bumrah denied his Kapil Dev moment in Sydney due to serious injury, WC winner claims

Indian 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 little 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 victory in Sydney had he been fit – Balwinder Sandhu

While talking to TOI, Balwinder Sandhu 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 if he had been fit enough to bowl.

“Definitely. (Jasprit) Bumrah is a bowler. Even though it was a small target, Bumrah has that ability – he could have led India to victory. Australia it would be very difficult if he was there. The result of the match might have turned in our favor if he had played,” said Sandhu.

Jasprit Bumrah was injured on the second day of the Sydney Test and as a result did not come out to bowl in Australia’s second innings during their run. India felt Bumrah’s absence and despite a spicy goal in Sydney, they could not trouble the Aussies for long.

Kapil Dev’s moment of extraordinary bravery

Balwinder Sandhu further recalled the moment Kapil Dev led India to an incredible win over Australia despite an injury. 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 hamstring problem against Australia (MCG Test 1981). Karsan (Ghavri) bowled Greg Chappell with a brilliant performance the day before,” recalled Sandhu.

“Kapil didn’t take the field that day, but he showed incredible courage by coming out the very next day and taking all the remaining Australian wickets to lead us to victory,” he added.

“Australia needed 140 and something [143] runs in that match and Kapil did the work for us. He tore apart the Australian batting line-up. It was great bowling. So, it is very important to have such a key player in your team in critical situations. This is where India lacked Bumrah. Bumrah is such a bowler,” explained Sandhu.

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 beat if Bumrah had been there on the final day.

“If Bumrah was even 1 per cent fit, he would have bowled for sure. I could see it on his face when he was in the floor. He is a typical khadoos cricketer and can get under the skin of any batsman,” exclaimed Sandhu.

“I’m sure he was in significant pain; otherwise he would have come to bowl. But the Aussies would have had a tough time if he had been there. We could have won the game,” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah picked up 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at an incredible average of 13.06. He emerged as the top wicket taker in the series and was far above the others.

Bumrah carried India’s inexperienced bowling attack on his shoulders and himself proved to be a nightmare for the Australian batting line-up.