Gill and Deepti Shine: BCCI's Polly Umrigar Awards
In a glittering ceremony, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honored outstanding cricketers with the prestigious Polly Umrigar Awards, showcasing excellence in the 2022-23 season. CricAdvisor brings you the highlights of the awards night, where Shubman Gill and Deepti Sharma claimed the coveted titles for India’s best men’s and women’s international cricketers.
Gill's Triumph and Bumrah's Milestone
Shubman Gill, the dynamic young batsman, was crowned India’s best men’s international cricketer for the 2022-23 season. This recognition adds another feather to Gill’s cap, affirming his stellar performances on the international stage. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah secured a historic feat by becoming the first pacer to clinch the award more than once.
Deepti Sharma's Double Delight
Deepti Sharma, a stalwart in women’s cricket, not only secured the Polly Umrigar Award for the 2022-23 season but also triumphed in the best women’s international cricketer category for the 2019-20 season. Deepti’s consistent contributions have made her a vital asset for the Indian women’s team.
Acknowledging New Talents: Debut Awards
The awards night also recognized emerging talents in international cricket. Mayank Agarwal (2019-20), Axar Patel (2020-21), Shreyas Iyer (2021-22), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (2022-23) received accolades for their exceptional international debuts. The ceremony highlighted the promising future of Indian cricket with these young talents making their mark.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Ravi Shastri and Farokh Engineer were bestowed with the Col. C.K. Nayudu lifetime achievement awards, recognizing their significant contributions to Indian cricket. Shastri, in a heartfelt acceptance speech, reminisced about his cricketing journey, emphasizing the pivotal role played by BCCI in nurturing the sport.
Umpiring Excellence and Domestic Performances
Rohan Pandit was honored as the best umpire for the last season, showcasing the importance of officiating excellence in the game. Mumbai (2019-20), Madhya Pradesh (2020-21), and Saurashtra (2022-23) received awards for their outstanding performances in domestic tournaments, underscoring the significance of regional cricket.
Specialized Awards and Future Prospects
The ceremony featured various specialized awards recognizing accomplishments in specific categories such as highest wicket-taker and run-getter in Ranji Trophy, best all-rounders in limited-overs and Ranji Trophy, and outstanding performances in junior and senior domestic women’s cricket.
Dravid's Inspirational Words
Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach, expressed the importance of innovative preparation for Test teams, emphasizing the need for quality opposition. Dravid’s insights provided a glimpse into the evolving strategies employed to ensure teams are well-prepared for international challenges.
Conclusion
As the cricketing fraternity celebrates the accomplishments of Gill, Deepti, and other award winners, the Polly Umrigar Awards night showcased the talent, dedication, and spirit that define Indian cricket. Stay tuned to CricAdvisor for more updates on cricket news and insights, ensuring you are always in the know about the latest in the world of cricket.
