Wisden Announces Cricketers Of The Year
On Monday, Wisden named Gill and Deepti Sharma among five cricketers of the year for men and women. In men’s four of them were Indians and also honoured the Indian Test and One-Day International skipper with the Wisden Trophy for Test performance of the year after he scored 269 and 161 runs in the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Gill emerged as the top scorer in the series with 754 runs at a remarkable average of 75.40, with four hundreds to his name.
Deepti Sharma was named Wisden’s Leading Woman Cricketer of the Year , underlining her stature as one of the most reliable all-rounders in modern cricket. Deepti’s contributions went beyond numbers, as she consistently delivered with both bat and ball in crucial situations, often anchoring India’s innings while also providing key breakthroughs. Her calm temperament, versatility across formats, and ability to perform under pressure have made her an indispensable figure in the Indian setup and a standout performer on the global stage.
Why was he honoured?
Gill’s rise in international cricket has been marked by a rare blend of elegance and control. At a time when modern batting increasingly leans towards power and improvisation, his technique stands out for its classical foundation. His balance at the crease, ability to play late, and fluency through the off-side have drawn comparisons with some of the finest batters of previous generations. Yet, he is not limited by tradition; his adaptability across formats shows a cricketer who understands the evolving demands of the game.
What strengthens Gill’s case further is his consistency across formats. Whether opening in Tests or anchoring innings in limited-overs cricket, he has demonstrated an ability to adjust his tempo without compromising effectiveness. This adaptability has made him a key figure for the India national cricket team, particularly at a time when the side is transitioning and redefining its core.
The timing of this honour is also significant in the context of Indian cricket ’s broader evolution. With senior figures like Virat Kohli entering a different phase of their careers, the spotlight is gradually shifting to the next generation. Gill represents this shift not just as a performer, but as a potential long-term pillar around whom the team can build. Wisden’s recognition, therefore, is as much about the present as it is about the future.
Why is it big?
It is the first time four Indians have featured in the same year — the previous Indian high was the naming of Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma in 2022 — and the first time four cricketers from any visiting side to England have taken the awards since Australia dominated the 1973 edition of the big yellow book. In 1949, all five cricketers of the year came from the Australian ‘Invincibles’ side who dominated the 1948 English summer.
It is exciting news as we see the passing of the torch of Indian cricket from the older generations to the newer generations.
What is Wisden?
Founded in 1864, Wisden is cricket’s most respected annual publication. Its honours, particularly the Five Cricketers of the Year are not based purely on statistics but on impact, influence, and performance over the English season.
Being named on Wisden means recognition beyond national boundaries, valued by cricket’s oldest authority and entry into a list of legends.
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