Balwinder Sandhu

Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a former India medium-pace bowler, was an epitome of hard work and sedulousness. Being one of the architects of India's 1983 World Cup win, one will be filled with curiosity to know that his international career lasted nearly two years.

The Mumbaikar first broke into the first-class scene in 1980-81. He claimed nine wickets in the debut match versus Gujarat. In the final of the season, he again took nine wickets to rattle Delhi and help Bombay win another Ranji title.

A stellar Irani trophy season put him in the international frame as he joined the Indian team for the 1982-83 tour of Pakistan. The Bombay-born took the wickets of Mohsin Khan and Haroon Rasheed in his debut Test against Pakistan and even fared well with the bat, top-scoring with 71 runs in the first innings. Soon, in another batting masterclass, he scored 68 runs versus vigorous West Indies.

Sandhu's heroic show in the final of the 1983 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of the cricket aficionados of then. He first put up a vital 22-run stand with Syed Kirmani for the last wicket. Then came his road-to-Damascus moment as he gave India their first breakthrough in the final, castling Gordon Crickxonidge with an inswinger.

While his Test career ended in 1983, he was involved in the ODI set-up, albeit did not enjoy much success.

After retiring as a player, he coached Mumbai and Punjab's state sides. He also worked at the National Cricket Academy and was involved in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League.

(As of February 2023)