Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned the Leading Cricketer in the World by the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2025. Editor Lawrence Booth praised Bumrah as the standout male cricketer of the year, calling him a game-changer with a unique bowling style.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Remarkable Test Achievements
In 2024, Jasprit Bumrah reached a historic milestone by taking 200 Test wickets at an average below 20 — becoming the first bowler ever to achieve this. He claimed 71 Test wickets in the calendar year at an astonishing average of just 15, solidifying his dominance.
One of his most memorable performances came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. His ability to dismantle batting lineups single-handedly made him India’s spearhead throughout the series.
Booth noted that Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was so unique and dangerous that scoring runs off him seemed almost impossible, describing his spell as a form of cricketing music. Wisden believes Bumrah has cemented his place among the greatest bowlers of all time.
Smriti Mandhana Shines in Women’s Cricket
On the women’s side, Smriti Mandhana was named the Leading Woman Cricketer in the World. In 2024, she scored a record-breaking 1,659 runs across all formats — the most by any female cricketer in a single year. Her performance included four ODI centuries and a sensational 149-run Test innings against South Africa.
Other Major Honors
West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was awarded the title of the world’s best T20 cricketer for 2024. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner won the award for Performance of the Year after taking 13 wickets in the second Test against India — helping New Zealand win their first Test series in India since 2012.
Five Cricketers of the Year
Wisden also announced its traditional “Five Cricketers of the Year”. Three players from Surrey – Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Dan Worrall – made the list. Hampshire’s Liam Dawson and England women’s spinner Sophie Ecclestone also earned selections.
Worrall played a vital role in Surrey’s third consecutive County Championship title with 52 wickets. Atkinson impressed in his debut Test season, taking 52 wickets and scoring a century. Dawson’s all-round brilliance included 956 runs and 54 wickets, while Ecclestone finished as England’s top wicket-taker in T20s.
Jasprit Bumrah: Leading the Way
With historic milestones, consistent match-winning spells, and unmatched skill, Jasprit Bumrah continues to set the standard in world cricket. His recognition by Wisden underlines a year of excellence that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
