Jasprit Bumrah secures dual nominations in ICC cricketer of the year awards

Jasprit Bumrah, India's star fast bowler, has been nominated for two prestigious categories in the ICC Cricketer of the Year Awards 2024. Bumrah's exceptional performances have earned him a spot on the shortlist for the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award.

The Sir Garfield Sobers Award is the highest accolade in ICC’s annual honors, and Bumrah’s consistency across formats in 2024 makes him a strong contender. England's Harry Brook and Joe Root also compete with Bumrah for both awards, adding significant excitement to the final decision.

Bumrah’s standout year includes 71 wickets in 13 Tests, making him the leading wicket-taker in the longest format. His contribution to India’s success in the T20 World Cup was equally impressive, where he picked up 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.24. These performances solidified India’s bowling strength and showcased Bumrah’s ability to lead under pressure.

Bumrah’s dominance has been unparalleled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 30 wickets in four matches. This feat is ten wickets more than his nearest rival, Australian captain Pat Cummins. Additionally, Bumrah led India to a resounding 290-run victory in Perth, demonstrating his tactical acumen and leadership skills.

If Bumrah wins the Sir Garfield Sobers Award, he will join an elite group of Indian players, including Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin. Former cricketer R Ashwin, in particular, has voiced his support for Bumrah, believing him to be the frontrunner for the Test Cricketer of the Year award.

Other Indian nominees in the ICC Awards 2024 include Arshdeep Singh for the Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, Smriti Mandhana for the Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, and Shreyanka Patil for the Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year. These nominations underline India’s significant impact on global cricket this year.