New Delhi: Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional performances throughout 2024. Bumrah dominated both Test and T20 formats, showcasing his prowess as one of the finest fast bowlers in modern-day cricket.
Bumrah triumphed over strong competition from fellow nominees Travis Head, Joe Root, and Harry Brook to claim the title. He is now the fifth Indian cricketer to win this honor, following in the footsteps of legends like Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018).
Despite a year that favored batters, Bumrah proved his mettle by consistently delivering exceptional performances with the ball, reinforcing his status as a key player in world cricket.
“I am grateful to the cricketing fraternity for this appreciation, which I share with India, my family, and my teammates. My focus remains on contributing to the team and striving to achieve our collective goals.
“The year 2024 was incredibly special – winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados and also contributing as much as I could across all three formats of the game.
“I dedicate this award to everyone who has believed in me, the power of hard work and dreams, and to bowlers worldwide who continue to inspire and strive for excellence.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 performance across formats was a masterclass in fast bowling, displaying incredible skill, precision, and consistency. The Indian pacer not only dominated opponents but also shattered numerous records, solidifying his position as the world’s top fast bowler.
Bumrah became the fastest Indian pacer to take 200 Test wickets, achieving the milestone with an exceptional sub-20 bowling average, the best in cricket history. He also ended 2024 as the No. 1 ranked bowler in the ICC Test Rankings, amassing a record-breaking 907 points – the highest ever for an Indian bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 in Numbers
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Bumrah was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign, taking 15 wickets at an outstanding average of 8.26 and an economy rate of just 4.17. His dominant performances throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, making him India’s most dangerous weapon in T20s.
In Test cricket, Bumrah’s dominance continued. He claimed 71 wickets in just 13 matches, the highest by any bowler in 2024. His remarkable performances also saw him surpass Gus Atkinson to become the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket that year.
Dominating the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Bumrah’s crowning moment came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was the standout performer. He claimed 32 wickets across five Tests, earning the Player of the Series award. His remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure made him a game-changer in India’s 2-1 series victory.
Memorable Performances
Bumrah’s brilliance was on full display in various key moments throughout the year. His spell of 3-14 against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup proved decisive in India’s narrow six-run victory. Additionally, his vital 2-18 in the final against South Africa helped India secure the championship in Bridgetown.
He started the year with a bang, taking eight wickets in Cape Town, including a spectacular six-wicket haul in the second innings, which helped India secure a big win and draw the series against the Proteas.
A Record-Breaking Year
Bumrah’s brilliance wasn’t confined to just one format. His record-breaking 77 wickets in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle set a new benchmark for fast bowlers. Bumrah’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and dominate across formats has firmly established him as the most effective bowler of 2024.
With an exceptional combination of strike rate, consistency, and match-winning performances, Bumrah has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, making 2024 a year to remember in his illustrious career.
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