'SKY...' - ICC Announces T20I 'Cricketer Of The Year 2023' Nominees

image-lqxs1atuSuryakumar Yadav finished 2023 as No.1 T20I Batter [X.com]

With the start of 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for its yearly awards.

As expected India's Suryakumar Yadav, who is also the No.1 Ranked ICC T20I batter is leading the nominations list of the 'T20I Cricketer Of The Year 2023' bracket.

Yadav's supremacy is being challenged by New Zealand's Mark Chapman, Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza, and Uganda's Alpesh Ramjani, all of whom had a stellar 2023 for their respective nations.

Suryakumar Yadav

In 17 T20I innings, Yadav amassed 733 runs at an astounding average of 48.86 and an impressive strike-rate of 155.95, which saw the explosive batter slamming two hundred and five fifties.  The 33-year-old struck memorable tons against Sri Lanka (112*), and South Africa (100), respectively, with the century against the Proteas coming off just 45-balls.


Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe, who on a collective front had several setbacks in 2023, witnessed the rise of Raza, who match-after-match dished out impressive performances with both bat and ball, scoring 515 runs and picking 17 from 11 outings. 

Raza shined during the ICC T20 World Cup African Qualifiers, where the all-rounder finished as the leading run-getter and third-highest wicket-taker. 


Mark Chapman

With several high-profile players being rested due to World Cup 2023, Mark Chapman got an extended run in T20Is, which yielded results for the middle-order batter.

Chapman in 17 innings stockpiled 556 runs at a staggering average of 50.54 while keeping his strike rate on the higher side. 

The 29-year-old displayed impeccable cricket in New Zealand's Pakistan tour, smashing 290 runs in the five-match series, which included a match-winning unbeaten 104* at Rawalpindi. 


Alpesh Ramjani

2023 saw the rise of another African nation - Uganda - who have managed to claim a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, along with Namibia. 

Spinner Alpesh Rajmani became a driving force in Uganda's surge and made life as tough as possible with left-arm spin bowling. Rajmani also used the long handle quite well, despite being utilised as a floater all year long. In 30 matches, the 29-year-old scored 449 runs and picked up 55 wickets.