India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was honored as the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, following a stellar performance both at home and abroad. Recognized on January 27, 2025, Bumrah’s incredible 71 wickets in 13 Test matches at an average of 14.92 cemented his dominance. Returning to Test cricket in late 2023 after a back injury, Bumrah’s 2024 performances saw him emerge as the world’s leading wicket-taker, breaking multiple records along the way.

India’s Bowling Maestro

The ICC hailed Bumrah as the world’s best bowler in 2024, praising his adaptability across varying conditions. His brilliance was pivotal to India’s successes in the ICC World Test Championship, playing a crucial role in home victories against England and Bangladesh and excelling in challenging away series in South Africa and Australia.

With 71 wickets to his name, Bumrah not only clinched the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year title but also finished as the highest wicket-taker of 2024. He outpaced England’s Gus Atkinson, who secured 52 wickets in 11 matches. Bumrah’s achievement places him among Indian cricket legends like Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli, making him the sixth Indian to win this prestigious accolade. This milestone ties India with Australia for the most players winning the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

A Remarkable Comeback

Bumrah’s return to Test cricket in late 2023 was nothing short of extraordinary. After a lengthy recovery from a back injury, he reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s premier bowlers. His consistent performances featured an impressive economy rate of 2.96 and a strike rate of 30.1.

One of his standout performances came during the first Test against Australia in Perth. Despite India’s modest first-innings score of 150, Bumrah’s exceptional bowling turned the tide. He claimed 5 wickets for 30 runs in the first innings and 3 for 42 in the second, steering India to a stunning 295-run victory—marking Australia’s first-ever loss at that venue.

Bumrah’s 71 wickets in a calendar year place him in an elite group of Indian bowlers, alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev, who have achieved similar milestones. His dedication was evident in the 357 overs he bowled in Tests throughout the year, showcasing his resilience and endurance.

A Year to Remember

Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable journey from injury to record-breaking performances underscores his place among the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His incredible achievements in 2024 will be remembered as one of the finest by an Indian bowler in Test cricket, further solidifying his legacy as a game-changer for India.