Indian cricketers Arshdeep Singh and Smriti Mandhana have been nominated for prestigious ICC awards following remarkable performances in the 2024 season. Arshdeep, who played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, is in contention for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Smriti, a consistent force in women’s cricket, has been nominated for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Arshdeep Singh: A Year to Remember
The 25-year-old left-arm pacer had a phenomenal year, emerging as the joint highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.5. He played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup success in Barbados, claiming 17 wickets in the tournament, tying with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi for the most dismissals.
Arshdeep’s most memorable contribution came in the World Cup final against South Africa. He dismissed key batters Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock early, destabilizing South Africa’s chase of 177. In the high-pressure 19th over, he conceded just four runs, ensuring India’s victory. His consistency throughout the season has earned him a spot alongside Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza in the race for the award.
“It’s an honour to be recognized among the best,” Arshdeep said in a statement. “This year has been unforgettable for me and for Indian cricket.”
Smriti Mandhana: Leading India’s Charge in ODIs
Smriti Mandhana, a stalwart in India’s batting lineup, had an exceptional year in ODIs, scoring 743 runs in 12 innings at an average of 61.91 and a strike rate of 96.99. Her tally included four centuries and a Player of the Series performance against South Africa, where she amassed 343 runs in three innings.
One of her standout performances came in the second ODI of the South Africa series, where she scored a match-winning century and picked up a wicket to secure a narrow four-wicket victory. Despite India’s struggles in some series, including a 3-0 loss to Australia in December, Smriti’s consistency and ability to deliver under pressure were unparalleled.
Competing against her for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award are Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), and Annabel Sutherland (Australia).
The winners of the ICC Awards 2024 will be announced in late January 2025. Indian cricket fans will eagerly await the results, hoping for their stars to receive the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s Arshdeep’s game-changing spells or Smriti’s elegant centuries, their contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket this year.
