Jasprit Bumrah's 1st Reaction After Winning Huge ICC Honour: "Award Is Not Just..."

After being crowned as ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, India's fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said he was deeply honoured on being conferred with the award, a feeling which he said is truly special. Bumrah claims the award after a sensational 2024 saw him take 71 wickets in 13 matches in both home and away conditions at a staggering average of just 14.92, including winning Player of the Series award in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Bumrah, 31, also becomes the first Indian cricketer since Virat Kohli to win the prestigious honour, who won the coveted trophy in 2018.

“I am deeply honored to receive the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognized on this platform is truly special. This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe and inspire me every day. Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special,” said Bumrah in an ICC statement on Monday.

There was more cheer for India as vice-captain Smriti Mandhana won her first ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award since 2018 after 2024 saw her amass 747 runs at an average of 57.46, including hitting four centuries – the most by any women's batter in a calendar year.

“It's been an absolute honour to win the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year Award for 2024. I remember how special it was to have won this award in 2018 for the first time. It had fuelled my ambition to do well for my country. And now, having won the award for the second time it