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

India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah received high praise from the former cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu for his recent exploits in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah was exceptional in the whole series and was also adjudged the Player of the Series.

Sandhu compared Bumrah with the legendary Kapil Dev and claimed that the 31-year-old could have taken India to victory even if he was slightly fit. By calling Bumrah a "khadoos" cricketer, Sandhu called Bumrah a bowler who can get under the skin of any batter in the world.

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Bumrah "could have taken India to a win in Sydney if he was 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 reckons that Bumrah could have taken India to victory if he was fit enough to bowl.

"Definitely. (Jasprit) Bumrah is a wicket-taking bowler. Even though it was a small target, Bumrah has that ability — he could have taken India to a win. Australia would have found it very difficult if he was there. The match result might have turned in our favour if he had played," Sandhu said.

Jasprit Bumrah got injured on the second day of the Sydney Test and as a result, he didn't come out to bowl in Australia's second innings during their run chase. India felt Bumrah's absence and despite a spicy wicket in Sydney, they were unable to trouble the Aussies for long.

Kapil Dev's moment of extreme courage

Balwinder Sandhu further recalled a moment when Kapil Dev took India to an incredible win over Australia despite being injured. He reckons that India missed Jasprit Bumrah in the third day of the Sydney Test which led to their defeat.

"This match reminded me of the one when Kapil (Dev) had a niggle and a hamstring issue against Australia (MCG Test in 1981). Karsan (Ghavri) had bowled Greg Chappell with a superb delivery 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-something [143] runs in that match, and Kapil did the job for us. He tore apart the Australian batting line-up. It was brilliant bowling by him. So, it’s very important to have such a key player in your team in critical situations. That’s where India missed Bumrah. Bumrah is that kind of bowler," Sandhu elaborated.

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 reckons that Australia would have found it extremely tough to win had Bumrah been there on the final day.

"If Bumrah was even 1 percent fit, he would have definitely bowled. I could see it on his face when he was in the dugout. He’s a typical khadoos cricketer, and he can get under any batter’s skin," Sandhu exclaimed.

"I’m sure he must have been in significant pain; otherwise, he would have come out to bowl. But the Australians would have had a tough time if he was there. We could have won the match," he added.

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

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