Jasprit Bumrah wins ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024 with 71 wickets in 13 matches, setting new records and dominating across formats.
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A Milestone for Indian Cricket
Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, edging out England’s Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. The Indian pacer achieved this accolade following an extraordinary year in Test cricket, becoming the first Indian fast bowler to receive this prestigious honor.
Bumrah joins a stellar list of Indian legends—Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli—who have previously won this title.
Stellar Performance in 2024
The 31-year-old fast bowler delivered one of the finest performances in Test cricket history, taking 71 wickets in 13 matches at a staggering average of 14.92. Bumrah’s strike rate of just 30.1 reflects his unmatched consistency and ability to dismantle batting line-ups.
Among his remarkable achievements:
- Most Test Wickets in 2024: Bumrah finished well ahead of England’s Gus Atkinson, who managed 52 wickets in 11 matches.
- Unique Record: Bumrah became the only bowler in Test history with over 200 wickets to maintain an average below 20 (19.4).
Key Contributions to India’s Success
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Bumrah started 2024 with a bang in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was adjudged Player of the Series. His standout performances included:
- 8 wickets in Cape Town: Helped India thrash South Africa.
- 32 wickets against Australia: Dominated the five-match Test series, cementing his position as a leader in India’s bowling attack.
Historic Series Win in England
Bumrah played a pivotal role in India’s 4-1 series victory over England, taking 19 wickets. His relentless precision and ability to exploit English conditions turned the tide in India’s favor.
Australia Series and Milestones
The pacer hit his peak during the series Down Under, becoming the 12th Indian bowler to reach 200 Test wickets. His five-wicket haul in Perth, in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma, was a match-winning performance that showcased his ability to lead under pressure.
Workhorse of Indian Bowling
Bumrah’s workload in 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Bowling 357 overs, he was the backbone of India’s attack across home and away conditions. His adaptability and stamina have established him as one of the greatest fast bowlers of this era.
Legacy in the Making
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking year reaffirms his status as a modern Test cricket great. With accolades piling up and records tumbling, Bumrah continues to inspire a generation of cricketers while playing a pivotal role in India’s dominance on the international stage.
As the cricketing world marvels at his achievements, fans eagerly await what 2025 holds for this exceptional talent.
