India’s fast-bowling star Jasprit Bumrah has reflected on his stellar year in international cricket after being named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.

Receiving the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy in Dubai, the pacer described the moment as surreal, saying it was an honour once won by his childhood heroes.

Bumrah also claimed the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award and was named in both the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year and the ICC T20I Team of the Year.

The 31-year-old received his accolades ahead of India’s highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan.

“It feels really good,” Bumrah told ICC. “As a child, I’d seen some of my childhood heroes win this award. Always a privilege when you get such an honour.”

The recognition capped off a remarkable 2024 for the Indian pacer, who dominated across all formats. He topped the wicket-taking charts in Test cricket, finishing the year with 71 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.92—his best career return and 19 more than any other bowler.

Bumrah played a key role in India’s historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies and the USA, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. He took 15 wickets at an average of just 8.26, with a stunning economy rate of 4.17.

His performances in Test cricket were equally outstanding. He led India’s attack with match-winning spells against South Africa, England and Bangladesh.

He closed out the year as the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, reinforcing his status as one of the best in the world.

Reflecting on his achievements, Bumrah said the T20 World Cup victory would always hold a special place in his career. “The T20 World Cup, which we won, is always going to be special and will be there in my mind.

Obviously, a lot of learnings in my mind in the year as well. We played a lot of Test cricket; we got to know a lot of different experiences, so yeah, I’m very happy, and hopefully better things will follow.”

Despite his phenomenal run, Bumrah was ruled out of India’s Champions Trophy campaign due to a back injury sustained during the tour of Australia earlier this year.

However, he expressed his joy at the return of fellow fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who overcame a long-term injury to deliver a match-winning five-wicket haul in India’s opening win against Bangladesh.

“I’m really happy for him. Obviously, he’s had an injury struggle for so long. It takes a toll. But he’s been very happy and very positive. Looks good; he has the skill, obviously; that will never go anywhere. The more he plays, the more confidence will come, and hopefully, he’ll help the team go further,” Bumrah said.