Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has been awarded the ICC Men’s T20 Player of the Year for 2024, recognizing his outstanding performances throughout the year. His contributions were instrumental in India’s victory at the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. With his consistent bowling, Arshdeep emerged as a match-winner, delivering in high-pressure games and playing a pivotal role in India’s success. Arshdeep also reached a significant milestone this year, becoming India’s most successful bowler in T20 internationals. In 2024 alone, he bagged 36 wickets in 18 matches, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in the format for the year. His stellar performances earned him a spot in the ICC T20I Team of the Year, where he stood alongside Indian cricket greats like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya.
Tough Competition for the Award – Arshdeep’s win didn’t come easy, as the competition for the ICC Men’s T20 Player of the Year title was fierce, featuring some of the best players in world cricket. Pakistan’s star batter and former captain Babar Azam was one of the nominees. Known for his consistent run-scoring, Babar finished as the highest T20I run-scorer among players from Test-playing nations in 2024. He amassed 738 runs in 23 innings at an average of 33.54 and a strike rate of 133.21, including six half-centuries. Australian dynamo Travis Head was another strong contender. Head had an explosive year with the bat, scoring 539 runs in 15 innings at a phenomenal strike rate of 178.47 and an average of 38.50. His tally included four half-centuries, establishing him as one of Australia’s top T20 players. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza also made the list of nominees. Raza showcased his all-round brilliance, scoring 573 runs in 23 innings at an average of 28.65 and a strike rate of 146.54, including a century and two half-centuries. With the ball, he took 24 wickets in 23 matches, with a personal best of 5/18, making him one of the most impactful players in T20 cricket last year.
Arshdeep’s Reaction to the Award – Reflecting on his achievement, Arshdeep expressed his gratitude and shared his most cherished moments of the year. “Winning the ICC Men’s T20 Player of the Year award is an incredible feeling. I’m deeply thankful to God and to everyone who supported me and helped me perform at my best. The highlight of my journey was definitely winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Playing in the final and contributing to the team’s victory was unforgettable. My focus was always on giving my best for the team and delivering the results we needed,” he said.
An Inspiration for Aspiring Cricketers – Arshdeep Singh’s incredible journey in 2024 has cemented his place as one of the brightest talents in international cricket. His dedication, hard work, and ability to deliver in crunch moments have not only earned him accolades but also inspired young cricketers around the world. As he continues to raise the bar in T20 cricket, Arshdeep has become a symbol of excellence in the game’s shortest format.
