Jasprit Bumrah has proved me wrong: Kapil Dev

NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain and fast bowling legend Kapil Dev told TOI on Monday that Jasprit Bumrah proved him wrong with his instant success at the international level.
Talking about Bumrah's unique action, Kapil said, "I have to tell you that Bumrah has proved me wrong. When I saw him first time I had thought (whether) he could last long with this kind of action, but he has.Hats off to him and I really compliment him for his superlative show in Australia. His mindset must be very strong."
Kapil, who took 5/28 in the second innings the last time India won at the MCG before this, way back in February 1981, said Bumrah - whose similar match-winning nine-wicket haul earned India a rare win after 37 years - has a "special shoulder". "I think he is fabulous. With such a short run-up, if he can generate 140-plus speeds consistently, you have to respect him. He has a special shoulder. These types of bowlers are unique," Kapil said, adding: "Bumrah is good with both the new and old ball. He has a very good bouncer which can surprise the opposition. He is very accurate and knows where he is bowling. He applies his mind well. All this put together makes him one of the leading bowlers in the world today."
Asked if Bumrah's rapid rise up the fast-bowling ranks has any precedent in Indian cricket, Kapil said: "Srinath came into the limelight like Bumrah, in a very short time. Zaheer took a little bit of time. The only thing about fast bowling is that once they start doing well they look very good for the team, but injuries play spoilsport. Some fade away and come back strong, like Mohammed Shami did. Of course, injuries take a toll on your body and bowlers like Shami should be given credit for coming back strongly."
On whether India are depending too much on Bumrah, Kapil said: "When you play in India, don't you depend on Ashwin? Even Jadeja is someone on whom the team depends a lot at home. If someone starts doing well for the team, the team starts depending on that cricketer."