It was an evening bathed in the glory of Indian cricket, where the spotlight shone on exceptional athleticism and sporting prowess. The BCCI Awards ceremony, hosted in Hyderabad on Tuesday, January 23, became a confluence of talent, celebrating prolific cricketers from various age groups and tournaments on both domestic and international fronts.
The prestigious event, occurring after a hiatus of four years, not only highlighted the current achievers but also paid homage to those who had outshined in the intervening years. The ceremony saw a constellation of cricket stars, past and present, all under one roof, awarding the past four seasons’ best performers in a grand catch-up of recognition.
For the men’s cricket contingent, the spotlight shone on Mohammed Shami, who was adjudged the Cricketer of the Year for the 2019-20 season. Following in his footsteps, spinner extraordinaire R Ashwin was honored for 2020-21, with the paceman Jasprit Bumrah grabbing the title for 2021-22. The most recent season accolades went to the young and talented Shubman Gill, symbolizing the transition and the bright future of Indian cricket.
As the evening progressed, engaging conversations emerged. Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle directed the audience’s attention toward Ashwin, the iconic figure embracing the veteran phase of his career, inquiring about his thoughts on the impending five-match Test series against England.
Without a pause, Ashwin expressed his anticipation, highlighting the term “Bazball.” Bhogle prodded further, inquiring if the concept influenced senior cricketers’ approach. The term, a portmanteau coined from England’s head coach Brendon McCullum’s nickname ‘Baz,’ reflects the aggressive and fearless brand of cricket he advocates.
“Yes, the kind of cricket they’ve been playing is amazing,” Ashwin responded with a visible enthusiasm that resonated throughout the room. His eyes captured the excitement that ‘Bazball’ brought to the field—a revolutionary approach sending ripples through the traditional tenets of Test cricket.
Brendon McCullum, in attendance, allowed a sheepish smile to play on his lips, acknowledging the growing recognition of his coaching philosophy that has indeed redefined the English team’s modus operandi.
Ashwin, poised on the cusp of a personal milestone—being a mere 10 wickets away from the iconic 500 wickets in Test cricket—shared how perception evolves with experience. The milestones fascinated him at the outset of his cricket journey, but his current focus transcends beyond personal accolades, immersing in the pure joy and unpredictability that Test cricket embodies.
The veteran spinner is in line to etch his name in cricketing history, soon to join an elite group as the ninth bowler overall, the second Indian after Anil Kumble, and only the fifth spinner worldwide to capture 500 test scalps. This illustrious feat seems a well-placed cherry atop his storied career.
The anticipation for the series is palpable. Ashwin looks forward to what he fears he can’t predict: the thrill of the unpredictable—a testament to the enduring charm of Test cricket.
As the BCCI Awards recognized the luminaries of cricket, many stories unfolded. The evening didn’t just celebrate personal achievements but also marked a progression in cricket—a dance of heritage with innovation set against an ever-changing backdrop. It praised the energy of youth and the sagacity of experience, the allure of records, and the beauty of uncertainty in the sport.
As the curtains dropped and the lights dimmed, the hearts of many beat in sync with the stumps and leather ball, looking ahead at an enthralling series promising drama, skill, and most importantly, an undying love for the game.
