Dubai, February 23: Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah received top honors at the ICC 2024 Awards on Sunday, securing both the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year titles. The awards ceremony took place just before the highly anticipated Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan.
Despite being sidelined from the Champions Trophy due to a back injury, Bumrah's exceptional performances throughout 2024 earned him the prestigious accolades. Along with these awards, the 31-year-old was also presented with the ‘Team Cap’ for securing spots in both the Men’s Test and T20 International Teams of the Year.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrated Bumrah’s achievements by sharing his award-winning moments on social media, stating, “Jasprit Bumrah receives the ICC awards and Team Cap for a remarkable 2024.”
Ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah was seen interacting with his Indian teammates during a practice session, showcasing his unwavering support for the team.
Bumrah’s stats for the 2024 Test season were nothing short of spectacular. He claimed 71 wickets in 13 matches, outperforming his peers globally. The closest competitor, England’s Gus Atkinson, took 52 wickets in 11 matches. Bumrah's dominance was highlighted by his 14.92 bowling average and a phenomenal 30.1 strike rate, demonstrating his consistency and impact.
He joined the elite club of Indian bowlers, becoming only the fourth Indian after Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, and Ravichandran Ashwin to take 70 or more wickets in a calendar year in Test cricket. His performances in the home series against England at the start of the year saw him take 19 wickets in five Tests, followed by a remarkable 32 wickets in five Tests during India’s tour of Australia.
Notably, Bumrah also achieved the milestone of 200 Test wickets during the Australia series, cementing his status as one of India's finest pacers. Beyond the red-ball format, his contributions to India's T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies and the USA were equally significant. He emerged as the leading Indian wicket-taker in the tournament, scalping 15 wickets and playing a pivotal role in securing the trophy.
While Bumrah's on-field absence is a setback for Team India, his awards serve as a testament to his influence and skill in international cricket. His fans and the cricketing fraternity eagerly await his return to the pitch, where his fiery spells continue to be a game-changer for India.
