Jasprit Bumrah (ANI)
Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name in cricketing history as the sixth Indian to clinch the prestigious ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award. The star pacer delivered a phenomenal performance in 2024, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 71 scalps in 13 matches. His remarkable achievement places him alongside Indian legends Rahul Dravid (2004), Gautam Gambhir (2009), Virender Sehwag (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2018).
Bumrah’s accolade ties India with Australia for the most players to win this award. Notably, Steve Smith remains the only cricketer to have won it twice (2015, 2017). Bumrah’s 71 wickets were far ahead of England’s Gus Atkinson, who finished second with 52 wickets from 11 matches.
Returning to the longest format in late 2023 after a prolonged back injury, Bumrah showcased resilience and class. His stellar performances led India to series victories against England and Bangladesh on home soil. He also shone in tough away conditions in South Africa and Australia.
Bumrah bowled 357 overs in 2024, maintaining an exceptional economy rate of 2.96 in an era of fast-paced scoring. His bowling average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.1 are testaments to his dominance. He became only the fourth Indian to take over 70 wickets in a calendar year, joining Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev.
One of Bumrah’s standout performances came during the Perth Test against Australia. Leading the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul (5/30) in the first innings and followed it with 3/42 in the second. His efforts were pivotal in securing a massive 295-run victory, handing Australia their first loss at the venue.
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