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Indian cricket stars Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been honored as the world’s leading male and female cricketers in the 2025 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, recognizing their exceptional performances throughout 2024. The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, often referred to as the “Bible of Cricket,” has been published annually since 1864, celebrating the sport’s finest talents and moments.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Pinnacle of Bowling Excellence
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 season was nothing short of phenomenal, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in contemporary cricket. His instrumental role in India’s triumphant campaign at the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies was a highlight, where he was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. Wisden lauded him as “the defining factor” in India’s cricketing success, stating, “Rarely has a cricketer stood out so overwhelmingly as he did in 2024.”
Bumrah’s versatility and consistency across all formats have been pivotal for India. His ability to deliver under pressure, coupled with his unique bowling action and pace, has made him a formidable opponent for batsmen worldwide. His recognition by Wisden is a testament to his dedication, skill, and impact on the game.
Smriti Mandhana: A Beacon of Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s stellar performance in 2024 has earned her the title of Wisden’s Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World. She amassed an impressive 1,659 runs across all formats—the highest by any woman in a calendar year of international cricket—including five centuries, four of which were in One Day Internationals.
Beyond her international exploits, Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Women’s Premier League title in 2024, finishing the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer. Her leadership and consistent performances have been instrumental in elevating the profile of women’s cricket in India and globally.
Other Notable Honorees in Wisden 2025
The 2025 edition of Wisden also recognized several other outstanding cricketers:
- Leading T20 Cricketer in the World: West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran received this accolade for his exceptional performances in the T20 format.
- Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year: England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, Liam Dawson, and Dan Worrall were honored for their significant contributions during the English summer.
These recognitions highlight the global talent and competitive spirit prevalent in contemporary cricket.
Wisden’s Critical Perspective on Cricket Administration
Beyond player accolades, the 2025 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack offers a critical analysis of cricket’s administrative landscape. Editor Lawrence Booth criticized the current structure of the World Test Championship (WTC), describing it as a “shambles masquerading as a showpiece,” and advocated for significant reforms, including a four-year, all-play-all format.
Booth also expressed concerns over the governance of the sport, particularly highlighting the influence of Indian cricket leadership. He pointed to the promotion of Jay Shah to ICC chairman amidst India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy held in Pakistan, suggesting a conflict of interest and a lack of proper oversight in cricket administration.
Conclusion
The 2025 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of cricketers like Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana but also serves as a reflective piece on the state of cricket governance. As the sport continues to evolve, recognizing excellence on the field and addressing challenges off the field remain crucial for its sustained growth and integrity.
In a landmark recognition of excellence in cricket, Indian stalwarts Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been named the world’s leading male and female cricketers, respectively, in the 2025 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. This prestigious accolade underscores their exceptional performances and significant contributions to the sport in 2024. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been named the world’s top cricketers in Wisden’s 2025 edition.
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