Sachin Tendulkar is poised to be honored with the prestigious Colonel CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award during the BCCI's annual awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on February 1. This year's ceremony will also recognize Jasprit Bumrah, who has been awarded the Polly Umrigar Award as the best international cricketer for the 2023-24 men's category, while Smriti Mandhana will receive the equivalent award for women.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1994 to celebrate the legacy of India's inaugural Test captain Colonel CK Nayudu, will mark Tendulkar as its 31st laureate. Having had an illustrious career that spanned over two decades, Tendulkar made his international debut at the age of 16 in a Test match against Pakistan in 1989. He concluded his career as the most capped player in the history of cricket, participating in a total of 200 Test matches and 463 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His aggregate scores in both formats are equally remarkable, with 15,921 runs in Tests and 18,426 runs in ODIs. Tendulkar also featured in one T20 International, representing India in the inaugural match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006.
In this announcement, Bumrah’s achievement is significant as he was previously recognized as the ICC Cricketer of the Year. His exceptional bowling prowess during the evaluation period was key in leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup held in June. During this tournament, he claimed 15 wickets across eight matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.17. His outstanding performance also earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade. Additionally, he played a vital role in India's Test series triumph over England at home, further solidifying his position as a premier bowler.
On the women's side, Smriti Mandhana stands out as India's leading batter across all formats. She was honored as the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. Her remarkable contributions included a noteworthy innings of 149 against South Africa in a one-off Test held in Chennai, as well as significant scores of 117, 136, and 90 in consecutive ODIs against the same opposition.
Ravichandran Ashwin, another prominent figure in Indian cricket, is set to receive a special award following his retirement in December 2024. Ashwin stands as India's second-highest wicket-taker in the Test format. Since debuting in 2011, he has played an instrumental role in establishing India’s dominance in Test cricket, contributing to a remarkable streak of 12 consecutive series wins at home. This achievement includes winning 18 series consecutively, showcasing India’s strength in the longest format of the game.
Sarfaraz Khan has been recognized with the Best International Debut Award among male cricketers for his impressive performance, scoring a rapid fifty against England during the Test match in Rajkot in February 2024. For women, Asha Sobhana has earned the same accolade with her outstanding bowling performance, returning figures of 4 for 21 against South Africa, which helped secure a 143-run victory in the first ODI held in Bengaluru in June 2024.
Moreover, Deepti Sharma will be acknowledged for her exceptional accomplishments during the awards period as she emerged as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs. Her contributions have been vital for the Indian women's cricket team.
Tanush Kotian, an allrounder from Mumbai, will additionally receive recognition for his outstanding performance in the BCCI Domestic Trophy. His remarkable statistics include scoring 502 runs and capturing 29 wickets across ten matches, aiding Mumbai in their successful run to win the Ranji Trophy for the 2023-24 season.
The upcoming awards ceremony not only salutes individual talents but also highlights the collective achievements of Indian cricket on both domestic and international stages. In an era where cricket continues to evolve, the acknowledgment of these players serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. The contributions of legends like Tendulkar and Ashwin, alongside rising stars like Bumrah and Mandhana, underscore a brighter future for Indian cricket, as they inspire the next generation to chase their dreams and continue the rich legacy of the game.