India speedster Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year by the BCCI. He had missed out in 2019 as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja pipped him on a seniority basis.
As per a PTI report, the BCCI officials are expected to finalize nominations for the men's and women's categories later this month but Bumrah’s incredible performance in the last four years makes him the most worthy candidate.
See Also: Michael Holding fears over Jasprit Bumrah's longevity; heaps praise on Mohammad Shami
If BCCI decides to put forward multiple names in the men's section, veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan could also be preferred as he missed out in 2018 despite the board sending his nomination.
"Last year, we had sent three names in men's section -- Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Shami," a BCCI source told PTI.
Bumrah lost out as he had failed to match the eligibility criteria. While the criteria of selection demands performance of at least three years at the highest level, the pacer had completed only two years in international cricket.
"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 added.
Having made his debut in January 2016, Bumrah has represented India in 14 Tests, 64 ODIs and 50 T20Is so far. While the 26-year-old has claimed 68 wickets in the longest format at an average of 20.33, he has taken 104 and 59 scalps in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
"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.
According to the report, the BCCI is unlikely to send Mohammad Shami's name this time around as the police case filed against him by his estranged wife alleging domestic violence and adultery makes him ineligible for the honour.
Although Dhawan’s seniority is a factor, he didn’t play much cricket last year due to multiple injuries.
"In 2018, we had sent Dhawan's name for nomination but only Smriti (Mandhana) got the award. So BCCI can send both Bumrah and Dhawan's names," a former BCCI office-bearer told PTI.
In the women's category, all-rounder Deepti Sharma and pacer Shikha Pandey are the leading candidates for nominations.
(With PTI inputs)
