Key Highlights:
- Historic Achievement for Bumrah: Becomes the first Indian fast bowler to win the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award, given to the ICC Best Cricketer of the Year.
- Double Honors by ICC: Named ICC Best Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 and also included in the ICC Test Team of the Year.
- Incredible 2024 Performance: Took 71 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 14.92, the second-best year for an Indian bowler after Kapil Dev’s 1983 haul.
- T20 World Cup Hero: Played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17 and winning the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
- Career Milestones: Became the fastest Indian bowler to 200 Test wickets, achieving an unprecedented 907 points in the ICC Test Bowlers Rankings the highest for any Indian bowler in history.
New Delhi: Indian cricketing sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the ICC Best Cricketer of 2024, earning the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award, making him the first Indian fast bowler to achieve this milestone. This recognition comes after a stellar year that saw the 31-year-old dominate across all formats of the game, cementing his reputation as one of the finest bowlers in modern cricket history.
Bumrah’s remarkable achievement also places him in the elite league of Indian cricketers who have won this award, including Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2017 and 2018).
Record-Breaking Performances in Tests
Bumrah’s dominance in Test cricket was unparalleled in 2024. He claimed 71 wickets in 13 Test matches at an average of 14.92, the second-best yearly performance ever by an Indian bowler, behind Kapil Dev’s historic 100-wicket haul in 1983.
One of his standout performances came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took 32 wickets in five Tests, tormenting the Aussie batting lineup and helping India retain the trophy in emphatic fashion.
His brilliance was further acknowledged by the ICC, as he climbed to 907 points in the ICC Test Bowlers Rankings, an all-time high for any Indian bowler, surpassing previous records.
T20 World Cup Heroics: Key to India’s Title Win
Bumrah’s stunning run in the 2024 T20 World Cup played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign. He took 15 wickets in the tournament at an average of 8.26 and boasted an economy rate of just 4.17, the lowest in the tournament. His ability to deliver under pressure earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
With crucial spells in the knockout stages, Bumrah successfully guided India to victory, showcasing his versatility as a bowler adept across formats.
Milestones That Defined Bumrah’s 2024
- Fastest Indian to 200 Test Wickets: Bumrah shattered records, becoming the quickest Indian bowler to reach the elusive milestone of 200 Test scalps.
- World’s Leading Fast Bowler: With 71 wickets, Bumrah established himself as the most consistent and dangerous fast bowler in the world in 2024.
- Economy King in T20 Cricket: His economy rate of 4.17 in the T20 World Cup further solidified his reputation as a game-changer in limited-overs cricket.
Bumrah’s Journey to Greatness
Bumrah’s rise to stardom was not overnight. Known for his unique bowling action and precision, Bumrah has consistently evolved as India’s go-to bowler in critical moments. His ability to deliver yorkers at will and his knack for picking up wickets in the powerplay, middle overs, and death overs make him one of the most complete bowlers of this era.
Bumrah’s dedication and reliable performances have earned him the trust of captains across formats, whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20s. 2024 marked a standout year in his career, showcasing his ability to dominate the game consistently across all conditions and formats.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Bumrah’s recognition with the Sir Garfield Sobers Award not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores the evolution of Indian fast bowling on the global stage. Traditionally known for its spinners, India now boasts a pace attack led by Bumrah that gives tough competition to any team in the world.
This award serves as an inspiration for young Indian cricketers, proving that with hard work, discipline, and adaptability, Indian players can excel on the grandest stages.
A Year to Remember for Jasprit Bumrah
2024 was undoubtedly Jasprit Bumrah’s year. From dominating Test cricket to scripting India’s T20 World Cup triumph, he has raised the bar for fast bowling and set new benchmarks for consistency and excellence.
By becoming the first Indian fast bowler to win the ICC Sir Garfield Sobers Award, Bumrah has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. As the cricketing world celebrates his achievements, Bumrah stands tall as a torchbearer of Indian cricket’s growing dominance on the global stage.
With many more years of cricket left in him, fans and analysts alike eagerly await what more this extraordinary bowler will achieve. Jasprit Bumrah is not just a cricketer; he’s a phenomenon.
