In a remarkable acknowledgment of his stellar performance across all cricket formats, India’s fast-bowling sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, has been named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024. The announcement came during the prestigious ICC Awards, where Bumrah was honored with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, joining an elite group of cricketers who have previously received this accolade.
Bumrah’s year was nothing short of spectacular. His dominance in Test cricket was particularly noteworthy, where he claimed 71 wickets in just 13 matches at an astonishing average of 14.92, making him the leading wicket-taker in the format for the year. His skills were not confined to the longest format; Bumrah also played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024, held in the West Indies and the USA. His contribution was critical, securing 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17, which earned him the Player of the Tournament title.
The right-arm quick returned to Test cricket after a significant back injury hiatus in late 2023, and his comeback was nothing less than a masterclass in bowling. He was instrumental in India’s series wins against formidable teams like England and Bangladesh at home, and his performances against South Africa and Australia further solidified his reputation as a world-class bowler. His 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he also captained India to a win in Perth, were a testament to his match-winning capabilities.
Bumrah’s 2024 was marked by several records and milestones. He became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets, achieving this feat with a sub-20 bowling average, a record in itself. His exploits on the field saw him cross the elusive 900-point mark in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings, ending the year with a record-breaking 907 points, the highest for any Indian bowler in history.
The cricketing world has been abuzz with praise for Bumrah’s achievements. The International Cricket Council (ICC) highlighted his precision, skill, and consistency, noting that his performances have not only inspired his teammates but also set a high bar for bowlers worldwide. Posts and reactions on social media echoed this sentiment, celebrating Bumrah’s well-deserved recognition with the highest honor in cricket.