India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, was awarded the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 on Monday, January 27. At 31 years old, Bumrah delivered an extraordinary performance throughout 2024, playing 13 Test matches and taking an impressive 71 wickets. His remarkable feat made him the highest wicket-taker in the five-day format for the year. Notably, Bumrah played a pivotal role in India’s commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Jasprit Bumrah joins an elite group of the Indian cricketers who have previously won the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award. Below is a look at other Indian players who have also achieved this distinction:
1. Rahul Dravid (2004)
Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and head coach, was the inaugural recipient of the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2004. Rahul Dravid had an outstanding year, amassing 803 runs in just five matches at an average of 100.37. His performances included two centuries, three half-centuries and the best score of 233 against Australia at Adelaide Oval.
2. Gautam Gambhir (2009)
Gautam Gambhir, now India’s head coach, won the award in 2009 for his stellar contributions in the Test arena. Playing five matches that year, Gambhir scored 727 runs at an average of 90.87, with four centuries and one fifty. His consistency also saw him climb to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings.
3. Virender Sehwag (2010)
Explosive opener Virender Sehwag was the recipient in 2010, following a prolific year where he scored 1422 runs in 14 matches. With five centuries and eight half-centuries, Sehwag was a crucial figure in India’s batting lineup. Additionally, he showcased his bowling skills by claiming nine wickets during the year.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin (2016)
Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the award in 2016. Ashwin played 12 matches that year, taking 72 wickets and contributing significantly with the bat by scoring 612 runs. The year 2016 was a career highlight for Ashwin, as he delivered consistent match-winning performances in both batting and bowling.
5. Virat Kohli (2018)
Legendary batter Virat Kohli earned the accolade in 2018. In 13 Tests, Kohli amassed 1322 runs at an average of 55.08. The prolific run-scorer hit five centuries and five half-centuries, cementing his place as one of the greatest Test players in cricket history.
6. Jasprit Bumrah (2024)
Jasprit Bumrah’s phenomenal year saw him lead the wicket-taking charts with 71 dismissals in 13 matches. He registered five five-wicket hauls and achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first bowler to claim the No. 1 ICC ranking in all the three formats of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable contributions in 2024 have further strengthened his legacy as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers and his win will boost the confidence of the Indian test team which is going through a tough phase.
