Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the prestigious ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2024. Delivering exceptional performances throughout the year, Bumrah claimed 71 wickets in 13 Test matches at a staggering average of 14.92, making him a standout performer in world cricket.
A Year of Dominance
Bumrah’s dominance in 2024 was evident in every series he played, with his ability to adapt to home and overseas conditions making him a key player for India. The highlight of his year was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he took an astounding 32 wickets across five Tests and was named Player of the Series.
The 31-year-old also played pivotal roles in India’s victories against England and Bangladesh on home soil. In away conditions, he spearheaded the Indian attack during tours of South Africa and Australia, showcasing his adaptability and skill in diverse conditions.
Breaking Records and Earning Accolades
Bumrah’s remarkable achievements in 2024 include:
- Taking 71 Test wickets, finishing ahead of England’s Gus Atkinson, who managed 52 wickets in 11 matches.
- Bowling 357 overs for India in Tests, proving his endurance and reliability as a workhorse.
- Averaging just 14.92 with the ball and maintaining a strike rate of 30.1, highlighting his efficiency.
- Becoming the fourth Indian bowler after Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev to take more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year.
- Crossing the 200-wicket milestone in Test cricket, making him the 12th Indian bowler to achieve the feat.
Bumrah also etched his name in history as the only bowler with over 200 Test wickets to maintain an average below 20 (19.4).
Key Performances in 2024
South Africa Series: Bumrah began the year with a stellar performance in Cape Town, taking eight wickets across two innings to help India secure a commanding victory.
England Series: During the five-match Test series, Bumrah picked up 19 wickets, playing a crucial role in India’s 4-1 series triumph.
Australia Series: The series against Australia was where Bumrah truly shone. In the opening Test in Perth, he led the team in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings and three more in the match to guide India to a resounding 295-run win. He finished the series with 32 wickets, cementing his place as one of the finest bowlers in the format.
Despite suffering back spasms during the Sydney Test, which sidelined him from the second innings, Bumrah’s impact throughout the series was undeniable.
First Indian Pacer to Win ICC Test Cricketer of the Year
By winning this prestigious award, Bumrah has become the first Indian pacer to receive the honor. He joins an elite group of Indian cricketers, including Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli, who have previously won this accolade.
Jasprit Bumrah’s phenomenal year in Test cricket has further solidified his reputation as one of the greatest pacers of the modern era, and his performances will remain a benchmark for future generations.
