In a moment of pride for Indian cricket, Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been honoured as Wisden’s Leading Cricketers in the World, marking a phenomenal year for both stars on the global stage. Bumrah’s recognition comes off the back of an extraordinary run with the ball. Not only did he become the first bowler in Test history to take 200 wickets at an average of under 20, but he also led India’s charge at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
His performances were nothing short of magical, drawing praise from Wisden editor Lawrence Booth, who described him as “so lethal, so uniquely challenging – a staccato of limbs somehow forming a symphony.” Booth went further to suggest that runs scored off Bumrah “should have counted double” given his mastery, and that the pacer might already be worthy of GOAT status.
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Smriti Mandhana, too, etched her name in history by becoming Wisden’s Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World. The elegant left-hander amassed 1659 runs across all formats in 2024—the most ever by a woman in a calendar year. Her tally included four centuries in ODIs and a commanding 149 in the Test win against South Africa, underlining her stature as a modern great.
Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana named Wisden’s leading cricketers of 2024 pic.twitter.com/PEmh5OhD0R
— Daddyscore (@daddyscore) April 22, 2025
Despite seven different opening partners through the year, Mandhana’s consistency stood out, accounting for a quarter of India’s total runs across formats.
Beyond India’s shining duo, Australia-born seamer Daniel Worrall, who is now eligible for England, was instrumental in Surrey’s County Championship win, taking 52 wickets at an average of 16. He joins fellow English stars Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, and Sophie Ecclestone as Wisden’s top five cricketers of the year.
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Atkinson, England’s breakout sensation, stole headlines with 12 wickets on debut at Lord’s against the West Indies and followed it with a five-wicket haul and a memorable century from No. 8 against Sri Lanka, making 2024 a truly special year for English cricket too.
