Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024
In 2024, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah had an exceptional year, earning the title of ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
Known for his unique bowling action and remarkable consistency, Bumrah’s achievement came after a year filled with memorable performances that made him a standout figure in world cricket.
The ICC Recognition
After his outstanding performances in the 2024 Test season, Bumrah was named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
The honor was well-deserved, with Bumrah’s statistics speaking volumes: 71 wickets from 13 Tests, an astonishing average of 14.92, and a wicket every 30 balls.
His five five-wicket hauls only added to his dominance on the field. His journey in cricket began with a passion for bowling fast, inspired by the legendary Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
His distinctive hop-skip action has earned admiration, though it’s a technique few would dare replicate.
A Year of Record-Breaking Performances
Bumrah’s career reached new heights in 2024, where he became the first Indian fast bowler to claim the prestigious ICC honor. He was also the first Indian pacer to be ranked No. 1 in February 2024.
His standout performance came during the Test against England in Vizag, where he took 6 wickets for 45 runs in just 71 balls, showcasing his reverse swing expertise.
That spell was so mesmerizing that even Coldplay’s Chris Martin referenced it during the band’s concerts in India, declaring Bumrah “the best bowler in the whole of cricket.”
In his acceptance speech, Bumrah highlighted the significance of the Ollie Pope yorker, which he considered a game-changing moment, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.
Impact Across the Globe
Bumrah’s prowess was evident in various global Test venues. Whether it was Cape Town, Dharamshala, Kanpur, or the challenging pitches of Australia, Bumrah’s excellence remained consistent.
His 32 wickets in Australia at a remarkable average of 13.06 were instrumental in India’s success.
His bowling control and skills left many experts in awe, and even Australian players, traditionally known for their cautious praise, recognized Bumrah’s brilliance.
Travis Head, a key Australian batter, admitted relief when Bumrah wasn’t playing due to injury in the Sydney Test, showing just how much of an impact he had.
Commitment to Test Cricket
In an era when many fast bowlers opt out of longer formats to focus on T20 leagues, Bumrah’s love for Test cricket is refreshing. He has always expressed his passion for the format, emphasizing its importance in his career.
Former India bowler and current Mumbai Indians coach Paras Mhambrey shared insights into Bumrah’s mentality, revealing how the pacer’s strategic thinking and ability to read the game are key to his success.
Bumrah’s commitment to the format and his exceptional performances have been invaluable to Indian cricket.
A Year of Triumphs
Bumrah’s 2024 was filled with iconic moments, not only in India but also abroad. His 71 wickets in 2024 made him the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket that year, outshining second-place finisher Gus Atkinson from England.
Despite the long hours on the field, Bumrah maintained an average of 2.96 runs per over, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
His achievements put him alongside Indian legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev, becoming just the fourth Indian bowler to take over 70 wickets in a calendar year.
His journey started with a memorable performance in Cape Town against South Africa, where he claimed eight wickets, leading India to a dominant win.
His success continued with a 19-wicket haul in India’s home series against England. However, it was in the high-pressure Border-Gavaskar Series in Australia that Bumrah truly shone, finishing with 32 wickets across five Tests and being named Player of the Series.
Memorable Performances and Milestones
Among his many remarkable performances, Bumrah’s role in the Perth Test during India’s 2024 series in Australia stands out.
Leading the team in the absence of captain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah led from the front, claiming five wickets in the first innings, followed by another three in the second.
This effort was key to India’s massive 295-run victory over Australia, marking their first-ever win at the venue.
In addition to these achievements, Bumrah reached another milestone in 2024, crossing the 200 Test wickets mark. He became the only bowler in Test history to achieve this with an average of less than 20, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive tally of 71 wickets, remarkable performances across the globe, and a deep love for Test cricket, Bumrah cemented his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation.
His success not only brought glory to Indian cricket but also earned him global recognition, and his passion for the game ensures that he will continue to be a dominant force for years to come.
