Jasprit Bumrah: The Pace Spearhead’s Stellar Year

Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 was a masterclass in fast bowling. The 31-year-old pacer led India’s charge in the T20 World Cup, delivering game-changing performances with unmatched consistency. His 15 wickets came at an average of just 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17—staggeringly effective numbers that earned him the Player of the Tournament award and helped India lift the trophy after a 17-year drought.

Bumrah also dominated in Test cricket, emerging as the highest wicket-taker worldwide for the calendar year. He picked up 71 wickets in just 13 matches, the second-highest tally ever by an Indian in a single year, only behind Kapil Dev. His relentless accuracy, reverse swing mastery, and calm under pressure made him a force across formats.

His recognition as the Leading Cricketer in the World by Wisden is a testament to his all-format excellence and enduring impact.

Smriti Mandhana: A Year of Batting Brilliance

Smriti Mandhana continued to prove why she’s one of the most elegant and dangerous batters in world cricket. In 2024, she amassed 747 runs in One Day Internationals at an average of 57.46, smashing four centuries—the most by any woman in ODIs during the year.

She also captained the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever Women’s Premier League title, blending inspirational leadership with consistent run-scoring. Her presence at the top of the order remained a defining factor for India and her WPL franchise alike.

Wisden named her the Leading Woman Cricketer in the World, a well-deserved accolade reflecting both her individual brilliance and team contributions.

Global Stars Among Wisden’s Honorees

Alongside Bumrah and Mandhana, Wisden’s 2024 awards featured a diverse set of players who left their mark on the international stage:

Nicholas Pooran (West Indies): Honored as the Leading T20 Cricketer in the World for his powerful performances in the shortest format.
Wisden Cricketers of the Year: England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, Liam Dawson, and Dan Worrall were recognized for their outstanding domestic and international performances.

These accolades showcase the depth of global talent and the evolving excellence in cricket across countries and formats.

Bumrah and Mandhana’s honors go beyond the trophies—they symbolize excellence, resilience, and leadership. Their achievements reflect not only personal milestones but also the rising stature of Indian cricket on the world stage. As icons of the modern game, their journeys continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers.