Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has added another feather to his cap, being crowned the ICC Test Player of the Year, a title announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday. With this accolade, Bumrah becomes the first Indian fast bowler to achieve this honor. His exceptional performance over the past year, where he scalped an impressive 71 wickets, solidified his place at the top.
Beating Stiff Competition
Bumrah edged past strong contenders like England’s Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis to clinch the prestigious title. Alongside him, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah was named ICC ODI Player of the Year, while India’s Smriti Mandhana bagged the title for the women’s ODI category, showcasing India’s dominance in international cricket.
The ICC annually recognizes standout players across formats, honoring their excellence in T20s, ODIs, and Test cricket.
A Record-Breaking 2024 for Bumrah
Bumrah’s 2024 performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In 13 Test matches, he claimed 71 wickets, making him only the fourth Indian bowler to take 70+ wickets in a calendar year. Previously, legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev had achieved this milestone. However, Bumrah’s stunning bowling average of 14.92 sets him apart, as no other bowler with 70+ wickets in a single year has managed such an incredible figure.
Globally, only 17 bowlers have crossed the 70-wicket mark in a calendar year in Test cricket history, and Bumrah’s consistency and lethal deliveries have earned him a place in this elite group.
Heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
One of the highlights of Bumrah’s remarkable year was his performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which concluded in January 2025. Bumrah grabbed a staggering 32 wickets in the series and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.
This performance was even more special as it marked his return to form after battling a back injury in late 2023. Despite the setback, Bumrah made a thunderous comeback, proving once again why he is considered one of the finest pacers of his generation.
Crossing Milestones
During the Border-Gavaskar series, Bumrah also reached the 200-Test wicket milestone, becoming the 12th Indian bowler to achieve the feat. What sets him apart is his unmatched bowling average of 19.4, the best in Test history among those who have taken 200 wickets. At 31 years old, Bumrah continues to redefine pace bowling with his accuracy, speed, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Memorable Moments of 2024
Bumrah’s standout moment of 2024 was India’s emphatic win over South Africa in Cape Town, where he played a pivotal role. His eight-wicket haul in the match helped India secure an eight-wicket victory, one of the highlights of the year.
He didn’t stop there. In the home series against England, Bumrah continued his domination, picking up 19 wickets in five Test matches. His fiery spells were instrumental in India securing a commanding 4-1 series victory, leaving England’s batting lineup in tatters.
A Bowler Par Excellence
With his ability to swing the ball both ways, bowl deadly yorkers, and adapt to any surface, Jasprit Bumrah has become an indispensable part of India’s bowling attack. His ICC Test Player of the Year award is a testament to his relentless hard work, skill, and determination.
As Bumrah continues to shine on the international stage, Indian cricket fans will be eager to witness more iconic moments from the pacer, who is undoubtedly carving his name among the legends of the game.
