Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were honored at the 26th CEAT Cricket Awards, held on 21st August 2024 in Mumbai. These awards, which have been recognizing outstanding cricket performances since1995-96, are sponsored by the RP Goenka Group’s CEAT Tyres. The 26th edition of the awards considered performances from the 2023-24 cricketing season.
Rohit Sharma: International Cricketer of the Year
Indian men’s cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was awarded the CEAT International Cricketer of the Year for his exceptional performances during the 2023-24 season. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 13th ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup, showcasing resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Although India narrowly missed out on the trophy, losing to Australia in the final, Rohit’s individual brilliance was undeniable.
Rohit scored around 1800 international runs in the 2023-24 season, with 597 runs coming from the World Cup alone. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a vital asset to the Indian team. This award is a testament to his significant contributions to Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli: ODI Batter of the Year
Virat Kohli, another stalwart of Indian cricket, was honored with the Best ODI Batter of the Year award for his phenomenal run in the 2023-24 season. Kohli amassed 1377 runs in One Day Internationals, which included six centuries and eight fifties. His performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary, as he became the leading scorer of the tournament with 765 runs at a staggering average of 95.62.
During the World Cup, Kohli equaled and then surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODIs, setting a new benchmark with 50 centuries. This achievement not only solidified his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batters but also highlighted his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Rahul Dravid: Lifetime Achievement Award
The evening also saw former Indian captain and current coach Rahul Dravid receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Fondly known as “The Wall,” Dravid’s contribution to Indian cricket is immense, both as a player and as a mentor. As the coach of the Indian team that clinched the 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Dravid’s strategic insights and calm demeanor have played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
Celebrating Cricket’s Finest
The 26th CEAT Cricket Awards recognized a range of talents across formats and levels of the game. Here’s a look at the complete list of winners:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rahul Dravid
- International Cricketer of the Year: Rohit Sharma
- Test Batter of the Year: Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Test Bowler of the Year: Ravichandran Ashwin
- ODI Batter of the Year: Virat Kohli
- ODI Bowler of the Year: Mohammad Shami
- T20 Batter of the Year: Phil Salt (England)
- T20 Bowler of the Year: Tim Southee (New Zealand)
- Domestic Cricketer of the Year: Sai Kishore
- Best Indian Women Cricketer:
- Batter of the Year: Smriti Mandhana
- Bowler of the Year: Deepti Sharma
- Special Mentions:
- Most matches as a captain in Women’s T20I history: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Outstanding Leadership in TATA IPL: Shreyas Iyer
- Fastest Double Century in Women’s Test Match: Shafali Verma
- Excellence in Sports Administration: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah
The CEAT Cricket Awards continue to be a platform that celebrates the spirit of cricket, recognizing both established legends and emerging talents who have made significant impacts on the game. As the cricketing world continues to evolve, these awards serve as a reminder of the dedication, skill, and passion that drive the sport forward.
