Mumbai: Team India’s champion fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was on Monday crowned ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
Bumrah had a phenomenal year and was rewarded for his outstanding performance with the red ball in 2024. He bagged 71 wickets in 13 Tests, including five five-wicket hauls, at a staggering average of 14.92.
That he took 19 more wickets than second-placed Gus Atkinson (England) reflects Bumrah’s dominance.
Bumrah was adjudged winner ahead of the other nominees – highest run-getter in 2024 Joe Root of England, his countryman Harry Brook and Sri Lanka’s young sensation Kamindu Mendis.
Bumrah became the first Indian pacer to win the prestigious Test Cricketer of the Year award.
The other Indians to have won the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award are — Rahul Dravid in 2004, Gautam Gambhir (2009), Virender Sehwag (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) and Virat Kohli (2018).
Recognising Bumrah as the leading bowler of 2024, ICC highlighted his ability to excel in both home and away matches.
Bumrah made a stunning return to Test cricket in late 2023 after recovering from a back injury, delivering exceptional performances throughout 2024.
He helped India beat England at home and captained India to a historic victory against Australia in the Perth Test, in Rohit Sharma’s absence. Bumrah took eight wickets in the match, and bowled throughout the five-match series even though India lost 1-3.
Bumrah’s win followed Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh being named the 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year a few days ago.
Smriti Mandhana Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year
There was more good news for India as Smriti Mandhana was declared winner of the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
The left-hander opener amassed 747 runs in 2024, with 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries at an average of 57.46.
This is Mandhana’s fourth ICC cricketer of the year award.
