NEW DELHI: India's left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award after a stellar year on the international stage. The nomination recognizes his pivotal role in India’s success, including a memorable performance during their T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados. Arshdeep will compete with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Australia’s Travis Head, and Pakistan’s Babar Azam for the prestigious accolade.
Arshdeep claimed an impressive 36 wickets in just 18 matches in 2024, maintaining a bowling average of 13.5. His tally was the second-highest in a calendar year by an Indian pacer in T20Is, only marginally behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 37 scalps in 2022. Filling a longstanding void as a reliable left-arm pacer for India, Arshdeep consistently delivered match-winning performances in a variety of conditions, cementing his place as India’s lead bowler in the shortest format.
His crowning moment came in the T20 World Cup final, where his disciplined and impactful bowling ensured India’s second title in the format. Defending 177 against South Africa, Arshdeep dismissed key players Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock early in the innings, disrupting the chase. In a high-pressure 19th over, he conceded only four runs, elevating the required run rate and setting the stage for India’s victory.
Arshdeep’s rise coincided with Jasprit Bumrah’s selective appearances in T20Is, granting him the opportunity to lead the bowling attack. His ability to adapt to different pitches and conditions was on full display throughout the year, whether in home series or overseas tours of Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Competing for the title are Sikandar Raza, whose all-round brilliance helped Zimbabwe secure historic victories; Travis Head, who showcased explosive batting for Australia; and Babar Azam, Pakistan’s consistent run-scorer.
The ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award celebrates excellence in the shortest format, and Arshdeep’s remarkable achievements make him a strong contender. His performances underline his growing stature in world cricket and highlight his importance to India’s T20 setup as they look toward future challenges.
