Test cricket has a long history in India. From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid to Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble to Ravi Ashwin, and Zaheer Khan to Jasprit Bumrah, the country has been fortunate to have some of the best players in history. In their history, the Asian powerhouses have also won the ICC test five times.
India’s record in international tests has significantly improved in recent years due to their notable advancements in playing on green fields.
Even though the team always wins in team sports, athletes are frequently inspired to work hard by individual accolades.
Let’s now examine the list of Indian cricket players who have taken home the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year trophy since the competition’s start in 2004.
The ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year Award will go to Indian players
1. Rahul Dravid – 2004
In 2004, Rahul Dravid became the first Indian to win the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year title, making history in the process.
In 2004, Dravid had an incredible run, amassing 946 runs at an average of 63 in 18 innings. There were two hundred and four half-centuries in his outstanding total that year.
In Rawalpindi that year, Dravid scored his highest-ever total of 270 runs against Pakistan, which helped India win by 131 runs and an innings. Notably, when the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award was introduced in 2004, Rahul Dravid became the first player to win it.
2. Gautam Gambhir – 2009
Gautam Gambhir, a former opener for India, took home the honor in 2009. Gambhir made his test debut in 2004 and immediately became the Indian team’s reliable opener.
In 2009, he amassed 727 runs at a remarkable average of 90.87 in five games. Four hundred and one half years were included in his total.
In a drawn match at Wellington that year, he scored his best total of 167 runs against New Zealand.
3. Virender Sehwag – 2010
Next on the list for the 2010 ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year Award is Gambhir’s opening partner, Virender Sehwag. Known for his exuberance, Sehwag averaged 61.82 while scoring 1422 test runs in 14 matches in 2010.
Five hundred and eight half-centuries were among his remarkable totals. In Ahmedabad, he scored 173 runs off 199 balls, his highest total of the year, against New Zealand.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 2016
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s best spinners, had a tremendous season in test cricket in 2016. At an average of 23.90, the off-spinner took 72 wickets in 12 games, spearheading India’s assault.
In addition, he added 612 runs at an average of 43.71 with the bat during the year, which included two hundreds and four half-centuries.
5. Virat Kohli – 2018
In 2018, the esteemed prize was given to the contemporary great Virat Kohli. That year, Kohli, who is known for his perseverance, amassed 1322 test runs at an average of 55.08.
During the challenging five-match tour of England, Kohli led India in scoring with 593 runs in 10 innings, including two outstanding hundreds. Sadly, though, India lost the series 1-4.
That year, he scored 153 runs in the first innings against South Africa at Centurion, which was his highest total.
6. Jasprit Bumrah – 2024
After winning the prize in 2024, Jasprit Bumrah became a member of the list. Taking 71 test wickets in 13 games at an average of only 14.92 gave him a remarkable year.
With 32 wickets in the series, Bumrah was instrumental in keeping India in the running for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024–25. In 2024, he achieved the 200-wicket milestone in test cricket while maintaining an average of less than 20!
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