The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the list of nominees for the 2024 Cricketer of the Year Awards, highlighting players who have dominated the cricketing landscape with their exceptional skills and performances across the globe. However, in a notable omission, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma did not make the cut for any of the major awards, sparking debates among fans and pundits alike.
Jasprit Bumrah highlights the Nominees for Cricketer of the Year
Jasprit Bumrah from India, the only bowler nominated for this award, has had a stellar year, taking 71 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 14.92, leading India’s bowling attack with distinction. His contribution was crucial in India’s T20 World Cup victory, where he was adjudged Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches.
Notably, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year sees England’s Joe Root at the forefront, having scored a staggering 1,556 runs in Test cricket this year, with six centuries to his name. His consistent performance in the longest format of the game has been pivotal for England. Joining him in the nominations is teammate Harry Brook, whose explosive batting across all formats has seen him average over 50, with memorable innings in both Test and limited-overs cricket.
Australia’s Travis Head has also earned his place on the list with his aggressive batting, particularly in T20Is where he amassed 539 runs at a strike rate of 178.47, playing a key role in Australia’s international campaigns. His performances in the T20 World Cup were particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to change the game’s momentum.
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Rohit Sharma’s omission spark debates
The absence of Rohit from the nominations has been one of the most discussed aspects of this year’s list. Rohit, who captained India to triumph in the T20 World Cup, had a remarkable year with the bat in T20Is, averaging 42 with a strike rate of 161, including one century and three half-centuries. His performances in the knockout stages of the World Cup, such as 92 off 41 balls and 56 off 36, were instrumental in India’s success.
Despite these achievements, Rohit did not secure a nomination, leading to a significant outcry on social media platforms. Fans and analysts have been vocal about their surprise and disappointment, with many questioning the criteria used by the ICC for selections. Some speculate that the focus might have been more on individual consistency across formats rather than standout performances in a single tournament.
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