Jasprit Bumrah became the sixth Indian to win the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year after the star pacer picked up 71 wickets from 13 Test matches in 2024, topping the charts. Bumrah became the sixth Indian after Rahul Dravid (2004), Gautam Gambhir (2009), Virender Sehwag (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2018).
With Bumrah's award, India equalled Australia's record for most players to win the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award. Steve Smith (2015, 2017) is the only man to have won the honour twice in his career. Bumrah finished as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2024, topping the charts with 71 wicketsâfar ahead of second-placed Gus Atkinson of England, who claimed 52 wickets in 11 matches.
Marking his return to the longest format in late 2023 after a prolonged absence due to a back injury, Jasprit Bumrah delivered an incredible performance, amassing a remarkable wickettally and setting multiple records. The right-arm quick was instrumental in India's success in home conditions, helping secure series wins against England and Bangladesh. He also rose to the occasion in challenging away conditions in South Africa and Australia.
He bowled an astonishing 357 overs in the format yet maintained an exceptional economy rate of 2.96, defying expectations in an era characterised by quick scoring in Tests. Bumrah's average for the year was an extraordinary 14.92, and he ended 2024 with a staggering strike rate of just 30.1.
His 71-wicket haul made him only the fourth Indian bowler to take more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, joining the elite company of Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev. Among many standout performances, Bumrah's best display in Tests came during the series opener against Australia in Perth.
With India missing regular captain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah stepped up to lead the team and inspired a famous victory. After Australia dismissed India for just 150 on the opening day, Bumrah spearheaded a stunning fightback with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/30.
India responded by setting a monumental target of 534 for the hosts, and Bumrah returned to seal the victory with another impressive spell, taking 3/42. His efforts secured a resounding 295-run win and handed Australia their first loss at the venue.
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