(Web Desk) - Two ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 winners and a rising Afghanistan star are in the race to be ICC Men’s Player of the Month.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the lynchpin of his side’s batting effort in a campaign where they reached the tournament's semi-final, a first for the country.
His 281 runs, the most by any batter in the tournament and the first time an Afghan has topped the list, came at a steady strike rate of 124.33 with an average of 35.12.
Along with Ibrahim Zadran, he provided solid starts to the Asian side and helped them to competitive totals in both the opening Group and the Super Eight stage.
Among his standout knocks were his 80 against New Zealand and 60 against Australia, both innings helping in historic wins.
Rohit Sharma (India)
The fact that Rohit Sharma led his side with aplomb on the field and guided them to an ICC trophy for the first time in 11 years should not let one overlook his stellar effort as an India opener.
The batter was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with 257 runs at an average of 36.71 and a brilliant strike rate of 156.7.
When the going got tough, Rohit got going, showcasing his best against Australia (92 off 41) in India’s final Super Eight game and England (57 from 39) in the all-important semi-final.
His inspirational leadership then helped India in the second innings of the tournament final against South Africa, with the side holding onto a seven-run win.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
At any stage that India were behind in the tournament with the ball, skipper Rohit summoned Jasprit Bumrah into action. And the right-arm pacer duly delivered, whether it be in the group game against arch-rivals Pakistan in New Yorkl, in the all-important final against South Africa, or just about anywhere in between.
From his eight matches, the fast bowler picked 15 scalps at an average of 8.26 with an economy of merely 4.17. His returns helped him pick the winners’ medal and a deserved Player of the Tournament award.