Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission from the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year nominations has raised eyebrows, especially given his impressive performance in 2024. Despite being the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket this year, with 1,478 runs across 15 matches, including two double centuries, he was not included in the final list of nominees, which features Jasprit Bumrah, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Kamindu Mendis.
Reasons for Jaiswal Omission
- Performance Comparison
. Jasprit Bumrah: Nominated for his exceptional bowling, taking 71 wickets in just 13 Tests, which significantly contributed to India’s success.
. Joe Root: The highest run-scorer in Test cricket for 2024, with 1,556 runs, which justified his nomination.
. Harry Brook and Kamindu Mendis: While their statistics are lower than Jaiswal’s, they still performed notably enough to secure nominations. Brook scored 1,100 runs, and Mendis accumulated 1,049 runs.
- Selection Criteria: The ICC often considers not only raw statistics but also the impact of performances in crucial matches. Bumrah’s role as a leading bowler in pivotal games may have influenced the selection committee’s decision more heavily than Jaiswal’s batting achievements.
- Controversial Dismissal: Jaiswal’s recent controversial dismissal during a Test match against Australia may have also affected perceptions of his performance. In that match, despite scoring a solid 84 runs, he was controversially given out after a review that many felt misused technology. This incident might have overshadowed his overall contributions.
In summary, while Jaiswal had an outstanding year statistically and showcased remarkable talent on the field, the combination of selection criteria favoring impactful performances from other nominees and his recent controversial dismissal likely contributed to his exclusion from the nominations for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.