India's Jasprit Bumrah Wins ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year Award

Jasprit Bumrah has been named the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, recognizing his outstanding performance in the red-ball format, where he took 71 wickets at an average of 14.92.

Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has been named the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, the sport's governing body announced on Monday. This recognition comes after Bumrah's incredible performance in the red-ball format, where he produced his best annual haul.

Bumrah topped the wicket-taking charts in Test cricket last year, claiming 71 wickets from 13 matches. This impressive feat saw him finish 19 wickets ahead of second-placed Gus Atkinson of England, who played 11 games. Notably, Bumrah returned from a back injury in late 2023 and made a remarkable comeback.

Despite being on the losing side in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Bumrah finished the five-match Test series with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series award. As the ICC noted, “His average across the year was a ridiculous 14.92, and he ended 2024 with an annual strike rate of just 30.1.”

'Game Changer' Jasprit Bumrah is awarded the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 🥁🥁

Bumrah took 71 wickets at a stunning average of 14.92, finishing as the highest wicket taker in Test cricket in 2024.#TeamIndia | @Jaspritbumrah93 pic.twitter.com/WHUciUK2Qb

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2025

The ICC further highlighted Bumrah's impressive achievement, stating, “Across Test history, none of the 17 bowlers to have taken 70+ wickets in a calendar year did so at an average as low as Bumrah's.” Bumrah beat out England duo Harry Brook and Joe Root, as well as Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka, to win the prestigious award. The last Indian cricketer to receive this honor was batter Virat Kohli in 2018.

Upon receiving the award, Bumrah expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honoured to receive the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognised on this platform is truly special.”

Bumrah also acknowledged the support of his teammates, coaches, and fans, stating, “This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe and inspire me every day.”

Dominating the bowling charts in 2024, India's spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 💥#ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/h8Ppjo2hrv

— ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2025

He concluded by expressing his pride in representing India, saying, “Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special.”