Kapil Dev impressed with the emergence of Jasprit Bumrah

Former Indian all-rounder and legend Kapil Dev has showered praises on the young sensation of the country Jasprit Bumrah. The bowler with an awkward action has become the vital player of the side in the limited overs format since his debut. Bumrah bowled beautifully in the decider against New Zealand in Kanpur on Sunday and delivered a series victory. However, Kapil admitted that he never felt that the bowler could do so well with the unorthodox action.

Bumrah broke into the international arena first in the shortest format in January 2016 against Australia in Adelaide. Since then he has scalped 37 wickets in 27 T20Is and his economy of 6.72 is one of the best. In ODIs as well, he has picked 52 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 22.28. He also has a five-fer haul to his name to go with as many as three four-wicket hauls in his short career already. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at pace in the death makes him even more special.

We should respect Kohli’s decision

Kapil Dev praised Bumrah and admitted to the fact that he was proven wrong by the youngster. “He (Bumrah) is fabulous. When I saw Bumrah for the first time, I thought how would he play with such an awkward action. But this player has changed our thought process. And today we feel players with awkward action will play for their country for long,” he told reporters sidelines of the launch of ‘Wonder Cement Saath: 7 Cricket Mahotsav’.

The skipper of the 1983 World Cup winning team also showed his support to Virat Kohli who has given top priority to fitness since he has taken over the reins of the side. “Every captain has his thought process. This captain (Virat Kohli) has brought up an idea of fitness in the team and I think we should respect his decision. You may be very talented but if you can’t take catches and save extra runs for the team, it is of no use. A minimum level of athleticism is required. Yo-Yo test is not something which a player can’t clear,” Kapil said.

“I was also very fitness freak and it will be unfair if I don’t stand by it. I feel fitness to zaruri hai (fitness is important). The message that goes to youngsters is that you have to maintain a certain level of fitness. I support Virat in that, ” he concluded.