Shubman and Deepti Shine at BCCI Award
In a glittering ceremony that celebrated excellence in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill and Deepti Sharma emerged as the shining stars, clinching the prestigious BCCI awards for the best men’s and women’s international cricketers of the 2022-23 season. The former India captain Polly Umrigar lent his name to the men’s award, won by Gill for the first time in his burgeoning career. On the women’s front, Deepti Sharma secured her second accolade, following her triumph in the 2019-20 season.
BCCI Clears Backlog with Four Seasons of Honors
Breaking the silence since Jasprit Bumrah and Poonam Yadav were named international cricketers of 2018-19, the BCCI diligently addressed the backlog, announcing winners for the past four seasons in one comprehensive swoop. The roll call of awardees featured Mohammed Shami and Deepti for 2019-20, R Ashwin and Smriti Mandhana for 2020-21, and the aforementioned Bumrah and Mandhana for 2021-22.
Shubman Gill’s Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Shubman Gill’s meteoric rise from a promising prospect to an international superstar defined the 2022-23 season. Covering the period from October 1 to September 30, Gill showcased unparalleled batting prowess, especially in ODIs. The young maestro notched up a staggering 1418 runs at an average of 64.45, including five centuries, with a memorable double-century against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
Gill’s impact extended across formats, as he contributed 387 runs in seven Tests at an average of 35.18 and 304 runs in 11 T20Is at a blistering strike rate of 146.85. The cricketing world witnessed the evolution of Gill, marking his territory as a potent force in the Indian lineup.
Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Brilliance
Deepti Sharma, a linchpin in India’s successful campaign, bagged the best women’s international cricketer award for her stellar performances in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons. Playing a crucial role in India’s triumph in the Women’s Asia Cup and securing the gold medal at the Asian Games, Deepti showcased her all-round brilliance.
As an offspinner, Deepti scalped 38 wickets in T20Is at an average of 14.81 and an economy rate of 5.71, standing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker globally during the award period. With the bat, she contributed 313 runs, including two half-centuries, at an impressive average of 28.45. Even though her participation in ODIs and Tests was limited during the award period, Deepti continued her outstanding form in the 2023-24 home season, guiding India to victories against England and Australia in one-off Tests in Mumbai.
Ravi Shastri’s Lifetime Achievement at BCCI Awards:
In a fitting tribute to a cricketing legend, Ravi Shastri was honored with the BCCI’s lifetime achievement award. The former India allrounder, known for his versatility with the bat and as an accurate left-arm fingerspinner, left an indelible mark on the sport.
Shastri’s playing career, curtailed by knee injuries in his early 30s, seamlessly transitioned into a successful stint in TV commentary. Renowned for his incisive analysis and distinctive style, Shastri’s voice became synonymous with cricketing wisdom. Despite captaining India in only one of his 80 Tests, his impact as a coach from 2014 to 2016 and 2017 to 2021 was monumental. Under Shastri’s guidance, India transformed into a formidable Test team at home and achieved historic successes abroad, including back-to-back series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Final Word:
In conclusion, the BCCI awards ceremony not only celebrated the individual brilliance of Shubman Gill and Deepti Sharma but also paid homage to the enduring legacy of Ravi Shastri, a stalwart who left a great imprint on Indian cricket. As the cricketing fraternity applauds these deserving winners, the anticipation for the upcoming cricketing season is already building, promising more riveting performances and cricketing milestones.
