CEAT, India’s leading tyre manufacturer, celebrated the remarkable achievements of cricketing legends and sports leaders who showcased exceptional talent and leadership throughout the year. across the globe during the 26^th   of the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) Awards for the year 2023-24 in Mumbai.

Touted as the benchmark of excellence in the cricketing world, CCR Awards have drawn attention from cricket fans, celebrities, and sports enthusiasts across the globe over the years.

Leading the way was Indian Cricket team captain Rohit Sharma who bagged the prestigious 'Men's International Cricketer of the Year' for his exceptional leadership and outstanding performances on the international stage across all formats.

Former Indian captain and Head coach Rahul Dravid, was conferred with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award', for his remarkable contributions as a player spanning 16 years at international level (scored over 24,000 international runs including 48 International centuries) and in guiding and mentoring while  shaping the careers of numerous cricketers (juniors and seniors) over the years. In his final assignment as the Head Coach, India won the ICC T20I World Cup earlier this year in West Indies

Ex Indian captain Virat Kohli, was named the 'Men's ODI Batter of the Year' for his consistent and prolific performances in the 50-over format through his uncanny ability to score runs consistently and anchor the innings on a successful cause on numerous occasion. His record-breaking performance in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 (765 runs at average of 95.62), where he equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries, further cemented his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats across all formats.

Pacer Mohammed Shami, who was the highest wicket-taker (24 scalps including three five-wicket haul at an average of 10.74), during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on a winning cause under pressure took home the 'ODI Bowler of the Year' award. Incidentally Shami is also India's leading wicket taker in the history of ODI World Cup (55 wickets in 18 games at an average of 13.52).

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, was bestowed with the prestigious e 'Men's Test Bowler of the Year' for his unfailing wicket-taking abilities during the crucial phase of the game in challenging conditions with his guile and variations. He also became the second fastest bowler to reach the coveted 500-wicket mark earlier this February.

Talented young top order batter from Mumbai, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his Test debut in 2023 and became the third Indian batter to convert his first three centuries in to 150-plus score was named the 'Men's Test Batter of the Year' for his remarkable performance against England in India earlier this year, where he scored a whopping 712 runs in the five-Test series.

India Women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who led India in most T20I matches was presented with a memento, while her deputy and opening batter Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the 'Women's Indian Batter of the Year'.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma, was named the 'Indian Bowler of the Year' for her consistent performances with the ball.

Attacking opening batter Shafali Verma was honoured with a memento for scoring the fastest double century (off 194 balls) in Women's Test cricket against South Africa in the Chennai Test earlier this year.

Ex-India A captain and former Mumbai Captain, Shreyas Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, was presented with a memento for ‘Outstanding leadership' .

Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, said, “As we mark the 26^th edition of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, we take immense pride in continuing our commitment to celebrating cricketing excellence. Over the years, CEAT Cricket Ratings has become synonymous with recognizing the extraordinary contributions of cricketers worldwide. We salute their passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence, which continues to inspire millions. Through these awards, we not only celebrate individual brilliance but also reaffirm our belief in the power of cricket to bring people together and create lasting bonds.”

India cricket legend and Chief Adjudicator of the CEAT Cricket Ratings. Sunil Gavaskar, added, “The CEAT Cricket Rating Awards has been a beacon for recognizing outstanding talent in this great sport. This year’s award winners have set the benchmark for future generations, showcasing impeccable skill and sportsmanship. It’s a privilege to be part of this journey that celebrates the spirit of cricket.”

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma, who was also the second highest scorer in the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup in India and also guided the Men in Blue to their second ICC T20I World Cup title earlier this year, after a gap of 17 years, on the other hand expressed his gratitude, and said, “The CEAT Men’s International Cricketer of the Year award is an acknowledgment of the hard work and determination that goes into every match and will certainly motivate me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the field.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah who had predicted India’s T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies, following the host heart wrenching loss against Australia in the summit clash of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 six months earlier. Expressing optimism he said “India could clinch more trophies in the future in the coming few months (the Women’s T20 World Cup in October in UAE, the ICC Champions Trophy in February next year in Pakistan, and the World Test Championship final in England in June 2025). For this it’s important that we continue to receive the support of over 1.4 billion passionate Indian fans across the globe and the players determination to succeed in major tournaments despite the odds”.

Deepti Sharma, on the other hand said, “Being recognized as the CEAT Women’s Indian Bowler of the Year is truly special and is a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my team, coaches, and fans. CEAT’s recognition fuels my drive to keep performing at my best and contributing to the game.”

CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) Awards and Awardees For 2023-24.

* All Indians, except those stated otherwise in bracket

Photo Cover : Dignitaries including Chairman of RPG Group Harsh Goenka (5^th from Left), Chief Adjudicator of the CEAT Cricket Ratings Sunil Gavaskar (3^rd from Left), Ex Australian Opener Mathew Hayden (extreme Left) pose for a group photo along with the winners of various CCR Awards 2023-24

Photo Above : Indian Captain Rohit Sharma receives the CEAT Men's International Cricketer of the Year award from the hands of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Chairman of RPG Group Harsh Goenka