NEW DELHI: Several of India's standout cricketers achieved historic feats in the year gone by, earning them nominations for the coveted Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2023. These accomplished players are poised to compete fiercely for the ultimate honours in both the men's and women's categories. The much-anticipated unveiling of the Cricketer of the Year award is scheduled for February 23, taking place amidst a glamorous awards ceremony in the enchanting 'City of Nawabs,' Lucknow.
Here are the cricketers who have been nominated for the TOISA 2023:
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is known for his unique bowling action and his ability to generate pace and movement with the ball. He is particularly effective in limited-overs cricket but has also excelled in Test cricket. Bumrah quickly rose through the ranks to become a key member of the Indian cricket team's pace attack in all formats. He has been instrumental in India's success in various series, including Test series victories in Australia. Bumrah is renowned for his exceptional skills in bowling at the death overs in limited-overs cricket. His accurate yorkers and variations make him a potent force in the closing stages of an innings. Bumrah is the first Asian bowler to take five-wicket hauls in Test matches in South Africa, England, Australia, and the West Indies. Bumrah has achieved remarkable success in a short span of time. He is known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to deliver in pressure situations. Bumrah has been the top-ranked ODI bowler and has consistently been among the top-ranked bowlers in Test and T20 formats.
Mohammed Shami
Right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami is known for his ability to generate pace and swing the ball. He has been a crucial part of India's pace bowling attack in all formats of the game. Shami has been particularly successful in Test cricket, forming a potent pace bowling partnership with other Indian fast bowlers. He has been a consistent wicket-taker for the team. Shami is the fastest Indian bowler to reach 150 wickets in ODIs. Shami is known for his ability to take wickets with both the new and old ball. Shami has also been a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket, contributing with both the new ball and in the death overs. Shami has played a significant role in several memorable victories for the Indian cricket team, including notable performances in overseas Test series.
Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma is known for his prolific run-scoring ability and has been particularly successful in limited-overs cricket. Rohit Sharma is the only cricketer to have scored three double centuries in ODIs. Rohit Sharma has led the team to several victories, including the Asia Cup. While initially known more for his limited-overs exploits, Rohit Sharma has also established himself as a Test opener for the Indian cricket team. He has had success in the longest format of the game as well. While initially playing in the middle order, Rohit Sharma found immense success after being promoted to open the innings in limited-overs formats. He has since become one of the best opening batsmen in the world.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has not only been a cricketing icon but also a source of inspiration for many aspiring cricketers. His aggressive on-field demeanor, commitment to fitness, and exemplary batting skills have made him a cricketing legend. One of Kohli's remarkable qualities is his consistency across all formats of the game. He has consistently been among the top run-scorers in international cricket. Kohli is known for his aggressive and technically sound batting style. He is particularly strong in chasing targets and has a remarkable record in successful run-chases. Kohli has numerous records to his name, including being the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. Kohli played a crucial role in India's victories in various series and tournaments. Under his captaincy, the Indian team achieved notable successes, including winning Test series in Australia.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma comes from a cricketing family, and her brother, Manish Sharma, is also a cricketer. Deepti is an all-rounder, known for her off-spin bowling and solid batting. She plays in the middle order and has contributed both with the bat and the ball for the Indian team. Deepti made her debut for the Indian women's cricket team in January 2014 in an ODI against South Africa. She later made her T20I debut in June 2014 against Bangladesh. Deepti has been involved in several record-breaking performances. In 2017, she, along with Poonam Raut, set the record for the highest partnership in Women's ODIs—320 runs against Ireland. Deepti has participated in various T20 leagues, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia. Deepti is known for her ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball. She has been a consistent performer for the Indian team and has played crucial roles in various matches. Deepti's skills as an all-rounder make her a valuable asset to the Indian women's cricket team.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues started playing cricket at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent. Jemimah is a right-handed batswoman who has showcased her skills in various formats of the game. She is known for her aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly. Jemimah made her debut for the Indian women's cricket team in February 2018 in a T20I match against South Africa and has since become a key player in the Indian team. Before her international debut, Jemimah had an impressive record in age-group cricket. She represented India at the Under-19 level and made significant contributions. She is a versatile player and can adapt to different formats of the game. Apart from representing the Indian national team, Jemimah has also played in various domestic T20 leagues, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana started playing cricket at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. Smriti is a left-handed opening batter known for her elegant stroke play and aggressive style of play. She has the ability to play both orthodox and unorthodox shots, making her a dynamic presence at the crease. Smriti made her debut for the Indian women's cricket team in 2013 in both ODIs and T20Is. She made an immediate impact with her performances, becoming one of India's key players. Smriti has been a consistent performer for the Indian team across formats. She played a crucial role in India's run to the final of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2017. In addition to international cricket, Smriti has participated in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia and the Kia Super League in England. Smriti is regarded as one of the top batters in women's cricket, and her contributions to the sport have made her a role model for aspiring cricketers.
