Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star pacer, was recently celebrated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a special ceremony before the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in Dubai. Although he wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury, Bumrah’s remarkable achievements over the past year earned him the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, alongside the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award.
A Year of Exceptional Performances
Bumrah’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. His all-round brilliance across formats made him a standout player, earning him a place in both the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year and ICC T20I Team of the Year. Reflecting on the honor, Bumrah shared his excitement in an interview with ICC, saying, “As a child, I’d seen some of my childhood heroes win this award. It’s always a privilege when you get such an honour.”
The T20 World Cup Victory
One of the most defining moments of Bumrah’s career came last June when he played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup win in Barbados. With 15 wickets at an average of just 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17, Bumrah’s contribution helped end India’s 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. “The T20 World Cup win will always be special. It’s a moment I’ll cherish,” said the pacer, adding that the year brought plenty of valuable experiences, especially with a focus on Test cricket.
A Stellar Test Year
In addition to his T20 World Cup heroics, Bumrah’s Test performances were equally outstanding. In 2024, he took 71 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.92, including 32 wickets during the highly competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy, solidifying his place among the world’s best.
Bumrah Reflects on Shami’s Return
Though Bumrah was unable to feature in the Champions Trophy due to his injury, he’s been closely following his teammates’ performances. In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Shami has taken charge of India’s pace attack. Shami, who made his return to the white-ball squad for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup, marked his return to ICC events with a remarkable five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
“I’m really happy for him,” Bumrah said of Shami. “He’s been through a lot with injuries, and it takes a toll. But he’s been very positive and looks good. His skill is always there, and with more play, his confidence will only grow. I’m confident he’ll help the team go further.”
Bumrah Optimistic About India’s Future Despite Injury Setback
As Bumrah continues his recovery, he remains optimistic about India’s prospects in international cricket. With Shami leading the charge and other key players stepping up, India’s pace attack looks in safe hands. Bumrah, always a competitor, is determined to come back stronger and add to his legacy on the field.
While Bumrah won’t be part of the Champions Trophy, his contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch.
