India’s fast-bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, beating top contenders Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Kamindu Mendis. Bumrah’s remarkable year saw him take an astonishing 71 wickets in 13 matches, bowling 357 overs at an incredible average of 14.92.
The 31-year-old pacer’s feat places him among an elite group of Indian bowlers, joining Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev as the only Indian players to take over 70 Test wickets in a calendar year. Bumrah’s contributions were pivotal in India’s competitive run towards the 2025 World Test Championship Final, despite narrowly missing the title clash.
Bumrah’s exceptional performances shone in both home and away conditions. He began 2024 with a standout eight-wicket haul in India’s Test win over South Africa in Cape Town. He then dominated England with 19 wickets in a 4-1 series victory, including a nine-wicket match haul in Visakhapatnam.
However, his most iconic showing came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where Bumrah claimed 32 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.06. His Player of the Series performance included a stunning eight-wicket spell in Perth, highlighted by a five-wicket haul, helping India secure a memorable 295-run win.
During the series, Bumrah achieved the milestone of 200 Test wickets, becoming the 12th Indian bowler to reach the landmark. He also etched his name in history by becoming the only bowler with over 200 Test dismissals to maintain a bowling average under 20 (19.4).
Bumrah’s consistency and brilliance throughout 2024 solidify his position as one of the finest pacers in cricket history, making him a deserving recipient of the ICC accolade.