India’s fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has received a nomination for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, December 29.

He emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming 17 wickets in eight matches with an impressive average of 12.64 and an economy rate of 7.16.

In addition to his World Cup success, Arshdeep is the highest wicket-taker among Test-playing nations for the year, amassing a total of 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.50 and an economy of 7.49.

Surprisingly, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler and Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024, did not receive a nomination despite finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches, averaging 8.26 and boasting a remarkable economy rate of 4.17.

Also nominated is Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who led all Test-playing nations in T20I runs with 738 from 23 innings, averaging 33.54 with a strike rate of 133.21, including six fifties.

Further adding to the nominees is Australia’s explosive opener Travis Head, who topped the Australian charts in T20Is for 2024, scoring 539 runs in 15 innings at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 178.47, which includes four half-centuries.

Lastly, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza is among the nominees, having set records by scoring the second-fastest century in T20Is earlier this year.

He accumulated 573 runs from 23 innings at an average of 28.65 and a strike rate of 146.54, featuring one century and two fifties.

Raza also took 24 wickets over the year at an average of 22.25, with his best bowling figures being 5/18. Voting for the award is currently open on the ICC website, allowing fans to support their favorite players.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Koneru Humpy on her remarkable achievement of winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship for a second time, highlighting her as ‘the only Indian to accomplish this extraordinary feat.’

“Congratulations to Koneru Humpy on winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship! Her determination and brilliance continue to motivate millions,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“This victory holds historical significance as it marks her second world rapid championship title, making her the only Indian to achieve such a distinction,” he stated.

Koneru Humpy, India’s top-rated female chess player, finished the tournament with an impressive score of 8.5/11. She previously claimed her first gold medal in the 2019 championship held in Moscow.

In the lead-up to the final round, Koneru was among seven players tied at the top. However, she distinguished herself by being the only player to secure a victory in that round. Competing with the black pieces, she skillfully defeated Indonesia’s International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar in a challenging endgame, thereby clinching the title.

“It isn’t easy to become a world champion at the age of 37. It’s particularly challenging to maintain motivation and sharpness as one ages. I’m thrilled to have succeeded,” Koneru remarked after her victory.

“I am overjoyed to have won for a second time. Honestly, I didn’t expect to win because I lost my first game, and I never envisioned finishing the tournament as the champion. This victory is truly special. When I faced adversity, it motivated me to fight and continue improving my chess skills,” she added.

Koneru’s victory further enhances the impressive success story of Indian chess in 2024, which also saw India winning gold in both the Open and Women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad this summer, along with D Gukesh capturing the title of World Champion in classical chess.

“It’s an exciting time for India – we have Gukesh as the World Champion and now I have secured my second world title in the Rapid event,” Koneru noted.

With her score of 8.5 points, Koneru claimed first place, finishing half a point ahead of six players tied for second: Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Harika Dronavalli, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Afruza Khamdamova.

Her accomplishment rounds off an extraordinary year for Indian chess, following D Gukesh’s recent victory over China’s Ding Liren to win the classical format World Championship in Singapore.

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has harshly criticized Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma following his recent performance and leadership during the ongoing 4th Test match against Australia. Prasad’s comments came during Day 2 of the match, where Rohit, once again, failed to score big, managing only three runs before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins for the fifth time in his Test career.

Rohit’s early exit from India’s first innings added to the mounting criticism surrounding his form. As India faces Australia in this pivotal Test series, the team has been dealing with issues stemming from recent performances, including a dismal series loss to New Zealand. Prasad, who served as BCCI’s chief selector from 2016 to 2020, did not hold back in his assessment of both Rohit’s batting and his leadership.

“The series against New Zealand was absolutely pathetic. It was unprecedented in Indian cricket history that we lost three consecutive games,” Prasad said, reflecting on India’s recent setbacks. He continued to criticize Rohit, noting his lack of runs during that series, stating, “Rohit had absolutely no runs, and when he came into this series against Australia, he was coming off a series of failures.”

Prasad also pointed out the impact of Rohit’s lack of match practice leading up to the series, suggesting that his poor form negatively affected his leadership and overall performance. “If he comes in with some form, it directly impacts the team. But he has arrived after a series of failures, and this is reflected in the way he has led the side,” Prasad said.

Further commenting on Rohit’s captaincy, Prasad highlighted his lack of proactivity, referencing a key moment in the match where bowlers Siraj and Bumrah were bowled in tandem for 11 consecutive overs while Australian batter Sam Konstas was aggressively scoring. “He has been struggling both with his form and his captaincy,” Prasad added.

Meanwhile, on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s Steve Smith scored a crucial century, contributing significantly to his team’s total. Smith formed a vital 112-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 49 runs off 63 balls. Australia ended the first session at 454/7. Smith eventually fell for 140, and the hosts were bowled out for 474 runs in their first innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar also contributed with the ball, taking three, two, and one wickets, respectively.

In India’s first innings, they appeared to be in a strong position at 150/2, thanks to an impressive partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82 runs from 118 balls) and Virat Kohli (36 runs from 86 balls). However, quick wickets from Scott Boland, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs, saw India reduced to 164/5 by the end of Day 2.

As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s performance and his ability to bounce back from the ongoing criticisms both as a player and captain.