The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to nominate ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s name for the prestigious Arjuna award. The cricketer’s name was also sent last year but he lost the battle to Ravindra Jadeja having only been a mainstay in international cricket for India for two years then. Alongside Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan – whose name was previously sent in 2018 – is also likely to be nominated.
In 2019, the BCCI had sent the names of Bumrah, Jadeja and Mohammed Shami but it was the left-arm spinner who won the award. While Bumrah’s term made him ineligible, Shami had quite a few dealings with police and court due to the issues with wife Hasin Jahan.
“Last year, we had sent three names in men’s section – Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami,” a BCCI source said.
The selection criteria for Arjuna award required a player to complete three years at the highest level which made the award committee overlook Bumrah’s case despite the exemplary credentials he had.
“That’s why Bumrah, who completed three years of international cricket last year, missed out to Jadeja, who is senior as well as a consistent performer for many years,” the source explained.
This time around, Bumrah is not just eligible for the award but has also been one of the best performers in Indian cricket. He, hence, remains one of the strongest contenders for the award.
“He certainly has the best credentials. He was ICC’s No 1 ranked ODI bowler. He is the only Asian bowler to pick up five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies,” the source said.
