Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the accolade on Tuesday, recognizing Bumrah’s extraordinary performances across formats throughout the year.
A Stellar Year for Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. He outshone fellow nominees Travis Head, Joe Root, and Harry Brook to clinch the coveted award. The Indian speedster’s dominance with the ball solidified his reputation as one of the best bowlers in world cricket.
Bumrah becomes the fifth Indian to receive the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, joining an elite list that includes Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018).
ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
In addition to being named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Bumrah also earned the title of ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. His exploits in red-ball cricket were unmatched, with his fiery spells dismantling opposition line-ups consistently.
Test Cricket Records in 2024
- Fastest Indian Pacer to 200 Test Wickets: Bumrah achieved the milestone during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
- Highest Test Bowling Ranking Points for an Indian: Bumrah ended the year with a historic 907 points in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings.
- Leading Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket: Bumrah claimed a staggering 71 wickets in just 13 matches, the highest by any bowler in 2024.
His standout performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy included 32 wickets, earning him the Player of the Series award. Bumrah’s spells in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, where he secured five-wicket hauls, left Australian batters helpless.
T20 World Cup Heroics
Bumrah was a key figure in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean and the US. His exceptional bowling earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of just 4.17.
- Memorable Spell Against Pakistan: Bumrah’s 3-14 helped India defend a low score in New York.
- Final Performance: In the final against South Africa in Barbados, Bumrah’s 2-18, including crucial dismissals of Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen, sealed India’s victory.
A One-Man Show
Bumrah’s incredible performances were instrumental in keeping India competitive in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His consistent brilliance gave India a fighting chance to level the series in Sydney before an injury ruled him out, paving the way for Australia to claim the series.
Legacy of Excellence
Jasprit Bumrah’s dominance in 2024 cements his place as one of the finest bowlers in cricket history. With his remarkable achievements, he continues to inspire cricketers and fans worldwide, adding another glorious chapter to Indian cricket’s legacy.
