Sports Bulletin on January 27: Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana win ICC Awards, Rohit Sharma and Co. to miss Mumbai's next Ranji Trophy match

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In today's sports bulletin (January 27), we cover some exciting developments from the world of cricket, football, and beyond.

From ICC awards to domestic cricket updates, and an extraordinary Big Bash League finale, here’s everything you need to know as we highlight the latest achievements, key performances, and news development in the sporting world.

Jasprit Bumrah Wins ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year Award

Jasprit Bumrah has been crowned ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, taking 71 wickets in just 13 matches at an astonishing average of 14.92. After recovering from a back injury in late 2023, Bumrah's dominance across conditions was pivotal in keeping India in the ICC World Test Championship hunt. The ICC hailed him as the "standout bowler of 2024." Bumrah expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition a reflection of his team's and fans' unwavering support. He is the first Indian since Virat Kohli (2018) to win the honour. Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai is named Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year.

Smriti Mandhana Wins ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024

Smriti Mandhana has been named the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, scoring a career-high 747 runs in 13 innings—the most by any batter in women's ODIs last year. Mandhana, who also smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman earlier this month against Ireland, sits second in the ICC ODI batting rankings. Expressing her joy, Mandhana dedicated the award to her teammates, coaches, and family, calling it a motivator to continue striving for excellence. This is her second win after 2018.

Rohit, Yashasvi, Shreyas Unavailable for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, Ravindra Jadeja to turn for Saurashtra

Mumbai key players Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will miss the crucial Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya due to national commitments. Young talent Ayush Mhatre is expected to return, aiming to further impress in Mumbai’s domestic campaign. For Saurashtra, Ravindra Jadeja is set to play must-win group stage match against Assam, bolstering Jaydev Unadkat’s side. Jadeja had a standout performance in the previous game against Delhi and has been training extensively. Meanwhile, Assam welcomes Riyan Parag back from injury.

Virat Kohli Trains with Delhi Team Ahead of Potential Ranji Return in 12 Years, KL Rahul Cleared for Karnataka Fixture

Virat Kohli is set to train with the Delhi squad ahead of their Ranji Trophy match against Railways, potentially marking his first appearance in the tournament since 2012. Kohli’s participation aligns with the BCCI's push for international stars to feature in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been declared fit to play for Karnataka in their crucial game against Haryana. This will be Rahul's first Ranji Trophy appearance in nearly five years.

England Persist with Struggling Batting Line-Up for 3rd T20I Against India in Rajkot

England has named an unchanged XI for the third T20I against India, scheduled for January 28 in Rajkot, despite trailing 0-2 in the five-match series. Captain Jos Buttler has been England’s standout performer, but the team’s middle-order, featuring Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone, continues to struggle against Indian spinners, who have claimed 11 of their 19 wickets so far. England’s bowlers have shown mixed performances, with Brydon Carse impressing in Chennai. With the series on the line, England hopes to overturn their fortunes and repay the management's faith.

Mitchell Owen's Blistering Century Powers Hobart Hurricanes to Maiden BBL Title

Mitchell Owen's explosive 108 off 42 balls, including a record-equalling 39-ball century, propelled Hobart Hurricanes to their first Big Bash League title with a commanding seven-wicket win over Sydney Thunder. Chasing 183, Owen’s 11 sixes decimated Thunder's bowling attack, while Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott finished the job with 30 balls to spare. Nathan Ellis (3-23) and Riley Meredith's fiery spells restricted Thunder despite Jason Sangha's 67 and David Warner's 48. The Hurricanes capped a dominant season, leaving Melbourne Stars as the only team without a title.

England Women’s U19 Secure Semi-Final Spot in ICC World Cup

England Women’s U19 team advanced to the ICC U19 Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals with a six-wicket triumph over New Zealand. Surrey’s Tilly Corteen-Coleman starred with an impressive 4-8 as New Zealand were bowled out for just 89. England chased the target comfortably, with Jemima Spence top-scoring, sealing the win with eight overs to spare. Captain Abi Norgrove’s side overcame a rain-affected fixture against Nigeria to secure this crucial victory. England now join Australia, India, and South Africa in the last four, with semi-finals set for January 31.

West Indies End 34-Year Wait, Defeat Pakistan in Multan Test

West Indies secured a historic 120-run victory over Pakistan in Multan, marking their first Test win on Pakistan soil since 1990. Chasing 254, Pakistan crumbled for just 133 as Jomel Warrican's exceptional five-wicket haul dismantled the batting lineup. Warrican, who claimed 19 wickets across two matches, was named Player of the Match and Series. Earlier, Gudakesh Motie's resilient half-century helped West Indies post 166 in their first innings, while Kraigg Brathwaite's fifty bolstered their second innings. Pakistan's Noman Ali shone with 6/41 in the first innings but couldn't prevent a series-leveling defeat.

Barcelona Crush Valencia 7-1, Extends Scoring Spree in La Liga

Barcelona thrashed Valencia 7-1 at Montjuic Stadium, with Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Fermín López (2), Robert Lewandowski, and an own goal by César Trrega sealing the rout. This commanding performance brought Barcelona within three points of second-placed Atletico Madrid. Under coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona has now scored 101 goals in just 32 games. Valencia’s only solace was Hugo Duro's goal and Mouctar Diakhaby’s return from injury after 11 months. Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano staged a late comeback to beat Girona 2-1, while Athletic Bilbao played out a goalless draw with Leganes.