Double Glory for India: Bumrah and Mandhana Named Wisden Cricketers of the Year!
In a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket, the 2025 edition of the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has bestowed its highest individual honours on two of India’s finest—Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana. This marks a rare and historic double, as both the Leading Men's and Women’s Cricketer in the World titles are claimed by Indians, celebrating a year of dominance, resilience, and brilliance on the field.First published in 1864 by English cricketer John Wisden, the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is the oldest and most respected cricketing publication in the world. Often referred to as the "Bible of Cricket," Wisden has chronicled the game’s greatest moments, iconic players, and historical milestones for over 160 years. Its annual editions are not just records of statistics, but cultural archives that reflect the evolution of cricket across generations.Jasprit Bumrah: The Architect of Indian TriumphsJasprit Bumrah, India’s lethal fast bowling maestro, has been named the Leading Men's Cricketer in the World by Wisden, following a spellbinding 2024 season. His numbers are not just record-breaking—they are era-defining.Bumrah became the first bowler in Test history to reach 200 wickets at an average under 20, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greatest fast bowlers.His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia stood out, where he spearheaded India’s bowling attack with an astonishing 32 wickets at an average of just 13.06. Described by Wisden editor Lawrence Booth as "a staccato of limbs somehow forming a symphony," Bumrah's spellbinding rhythm was both intimidating and poetic.Adding to his feats, Bumrah led India to glory in the T20 World Cup 2024, held in the Caribbean, clinching the Player of the Tournament award. Across formats, he bagged 86 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 13—a stat line that would dazzle any cricket historian.Despite battling a recurring lower back injury and undergoing surgery in early 2023, Bumrah’s comeback through the Indian Premier League has reaffirmed his indomitable spirit and unmatched skill.Smriti Mandhana: A Trailblazer in Women’s CricketOn the women’s front, Smriti Mandhana completed an Indian double by being named the Leading Women's Cricketer in the World. The southpaw opener had a dream run in 2024, amassing a staggering 1,659 runs in all formats—the highest ever in a calendar year for women’s international cricket.Mandhana turned 2024 into a showcase of record-breaking feats:Four ODI centuries, the most by any woman in a single year!A second Test hundred with a commanding 149 in a win over South Africa.Topping the T20I run charts and leading her franchise to a WPL title victory.Her graceful strokeplay, leadership prowess, and unwavering consistency have not just earned her accolades but inspired a new generation of young cricketers across the country.A Historic Year for Indian CricketIndia's twin recognition in Wisden's revered books is more than a personal triumph for Bumrah and Mandhana—it is a reflection of India’s cricketing excellence across genders and formats. As Wisden continues its legacy, 2025 will be remembered as the year India ruled its pages.