India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah expressed his elation upon being awarded several honors at the ICC Awards 2024, including Men's Cricketer of the Year, Men's Test Player of the Year, and inclusion in both the Men's Test Team of the Year and T20I Team of the Year.
Looking back at the accomplishment, the 31-year-old stated, "It feels really good. As a kid, I'd watched some of my boyhood idols win this (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) award. Always a privilege when you receive such an honour."
Bumrah had a stellar 2024, playing in 21 Tests and T20I matches and taking 86 wickets, of which 71 came in Tests. He was also instrumental in India's successful T20 World Cup campaign.
Looking back at the last year, he said, "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."
The star pacer was awarded his ICC accolades just before India's highly-awaited Champions Trophy match against Pakistan.
Though Bumrah himself was ruled out of India's team owing to a back injury that he suffered during the Australia tour, he discussed the return of his speed mate Mohammed Shami.
The 34-year-old came back in the most remarkable of manners from his extended injury, taking a five-wicket haul in India's opening match against Bangladesh.
Congratulating Shami, Bumrah said, "I'm very happy for him (Shami). Clearly he's struggled with injuries for so long. It does take its toll. But he's been very positive and very happy. Looks good, he has the ability obviously, that will never leave him. The more he plays, the more confidence will follow, and hopefully, he'll contribute to the team to go further."
Bumrah also expressed his eagerness over the Champions Trophy's return, citing the charged mood around the tournament.
"The mood is great. The energy.this tournament has been coming after a while so the mood is there. The beginning has been good. Let's hope the games get better, and competition will be even tougher," he added.
