Jasprit Bumrah The 6th Indian To Become ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award
In a year marked by exceptional cricket, Jasprit Bumrah has been recognized as the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, becoming the sixth Indian to claim this prestigious award. His remarkable achievement came after he led the wicket-taking charts with 71 scalps from just 13 Test matches.
Bumrah’s journey to this accolade was nothing short of spectacular, particularly considering his return from a back injury that had sidelined him for a significant period. His comeback was not just about making up for lost time but setting new benchmarks in the sport. In 2024, he bowled over 357 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 2.96, which is exceptional in an era of aggressive batting. His average for the year stood at an impressive 14.92, with a strike rate of just 30.1, highlighting his effectiveness on the pitch.
His performances were crucial in India securing series victories at home against England and Bangladesh, and he also shone in tough conditions abroad in South Africa and Australia. One of the standout moments was his performance in Perth against Australia, where he not only led the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma but also delivered match-winning spells. His figures of 5/30 and 3/42 in the match showcased his ability to turn games around single-handedly, leading India to a historic 295-run victory.
ALSO READ | Waqf Bill Moves Forward with NDA’s 14 Amendments Accepted
Bumrah’s 71 wickets in the year placed him in elite company, alongside legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev, as one of only four Indians to take more than 70 wickets in a single calendar year in Test cricket.
With this award, India matches Australia’s record for the highest number of players to win the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year, with Bumrah joining the ranks of Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli. This accolade not only celebrates Bumrah’s personal achievements but also underscores his significant contribution to India’s cricketing success in 2024.
