Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, adding his name to the prestigious list of Indian players who have received this honor. The award, given by the International Cricket Council (ICC), recognizes the best-performing cricketer across all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I—for their consistency, impact, and contributions throughout the calendar year.
Bumrah’s exceptional performances in high-pressure matches, his ability to dismantle world-class batting line-ups, and his match-winning spells across formats made him the standout choice for the award. His lethal yorkers, pinpoint accuracy, and adaptability to different conditions helped India secure crucial victories, making 2024 a memorable year for both him and Indian cricket.
What is the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award?
The ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year is one of the most prestigious individual awards in cricket. The winner is presented with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, named after the legendary West Indies all-rounder. The award is given annually to the player who has showcased outstanding performances across Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Since its inception, the award has been a benchmark for excellence in international cricket, recognizing players who have demonstrated consistency, match-winning abilities, and influence in crucial moments.
Indian Cricketers Who Have Won This Award
Bumrah is now the sixth Indian player to receive this prestigious award, joining a legendary group of past winners:
1. Rahul Dravid (2004) – The Wall’s Historic Feat
Rahul Dravid was the first Indian cricketer to win the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2004. Known for his rock-solid defense and ability to anchor the innings, Dravid had an exceptional year, scoring 2,141 runs in 27 matches, including seven centuries. His performances played a crucial role in India’s success, especially in tough overseas conditions.
2. Sachin Tendulkar (2010) – The Master Blaster’s Milestone Year
In 2010, Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the award, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. The year was particularly special for Tendulkar as he became the first player to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He finished the year with 1,893 runs in 28 matches, including five centuries, proving his dominance across formats.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) – India’s Spin Wizard
Ravichandran Ashwin became the third Indian to receive the award in 2016, thanks to his all-round brilliance. The off-spinner played a key role in India’s Test dominance that year, taking 48 wickets in just 9 matches while also contributing over 300 runs with the bat. His ability to turn matches with both bat and ball made him a standout performer.
4. Virat Kohli (2017, 2018) – The Run Machine’s Back-to-Back Dominance
Virat Kohli became the only Indian to win the award twice, securing back-to-back honors in 2017 and 2018. His performances were nothing short of sensational:
- 2017: Kohli scored 2,595 runs in 37 matches, including 8 centuries, across all formats. His aggressive captaincy and unmatched batting consistency made him the most dominant player of the year.
- 2018: He followed it up with another stellar year, accumulating 2,455 runs in 37 matches, with 11 centuries, further reinforcing his status as the best batsman in the world.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Phenomenal 2024 Season
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying his place as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern era. Known for his unique bowling action, unplayable yorkers, and ability to deliver under pressure, Bumrah’s impact was felt across all formats.
Key Highlights of Bumrah’s 2024 Season:
Marking his return to Test cricket in late 2023 after recovering from a back injury, Bumrah delivered one stellar performance after another. His achievements include:
- Leading wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2024, ahead of England’s Gus Atkinson (52 wickets).
- Fourth Indian bowler to take more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, joining Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev.
- Bowling a staggering 357 overs with incredible consistency.
His performances not only helped India secure vital wins but also reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
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