On this date, we celebrate the birthday of former Indiana pacer Balwinder Singh Sandhu, whose contributions to Indian cricket are etched in history. Despite having a relatively short international career, Sandhu left an indelible mark on the game, especially during India’s momentous World Cup triumph in 1983.
Sandhu’s international career spanned just eight Test matches and 22 ODIs. In those limited opportunities, he showcased his prowess as a skillful right-arm medium pacer, claiming 10 wickets in Tests and 16 in ODIs. But it was during the 1983 World Cup that he became a household name.
His performance in the tournament was outstanding. In the eight matches he played, he exhibited remarkable control over the ball, boasting an impressive economy rate of 3.57. His bowling played a pivotal role in India’s victorious campaign.
The most memorable moment of his career came in the final against the formidable West Indies. Batting first, India was struggling against the West Indian pacers. In the middle order, Sandhu displayed his resilience and determination, crafting a crucial 30-ball 11 runs to aid India in setting a defendable total.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu set the tone for India’s first World Cup victory:
But it was with the ball that Sandhu truly shone in the final. His magical delivery that dismissed Gordon Greenidge is still spoken about with awe and admiration. The way he got Greenidge’s bails flying as the legendary opener shouldered arms left the cricketing world stunned. That dismissal shifted the momentum in India’s favor, and the West Indies’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.
In addition to Greenidge, Sandhu’s fiery spell also saw him claim the wicket of Jeff Dujon, further solidifying his impact on the match. His exceptional bowling, coupled with his gritty performance with the bat, played a pivotal role in India’s historic triumph, as they defeated the West Indies to lift their first-ever World Cup trophy.
Although Balwinder Singh Sandhu had a short international career, his contribution to Indian cricket will be forever cherished. His remarkable bowling skills and vital contributions in crucial matches, especially during the 1983 World Cup, have secured him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. On his birthday, we celebrate his invaluable role in India’s cricketing history and wish him well for the future.