Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins Compete for ICC Player of the Month After BGT Performances

India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for December 2024. Joining him on the shortlist are Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and South Africa’s seamer Dane Paterson.

Bumrah showcased his brilliance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 32 wickets at a staggering average of 14.22. His lethal spells kept India in the contest, despite their struggles in the series. Unfortunately, Bumrah suffered a back injury during the final innings of the Sydney Test, forcing him to sit out. Despite the injury setback, his December performances were enough to secure a nomination.

However, Bumrah faces stiff competition from Pat Cummins, who led Australia to a historic Border-Gavaskar series win. Cummins picked up 17 wickets at an average of 17.64 and contributed valuable runs with the bat, especially in the Melbourne Test. His leadership played a crucial role in securing Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final.

South Africa’s Dane Paterson is also in the race for the award. The pacer took 13 wickets at an impressive average of 16.92, delivering match-winning performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. His five-wicket hauls were pivotal in helping South Africa secure a place in the WTC 2025 Final.

Voting for the Player of the Month award is now open on the ICC’s official website, with the results expected next week.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy 2025 is uncertain. He sustained a back spasm due to a heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The severity of the injury is being monitored by the BCCI. If it turns out to be serious, Bumrah could miss the tournament, starting in February. For now, he is resting and will skip the upcoming ODI series against England.