Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis has been named the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2024, recognizing his stellar performances across all formats throughout the year.
Mendis, 26, amassed an impressive 1451 runs in 2024 at an average of just over 50, solidifying his reputation as a dependable player in high-pressure situations. Starting the year with only one Test cap to his name, Mendis transformed into a vital all-format player for Sri Lanka, becoming their go-to performer during moments of crisis.
His ability to rise to the occasion was particularly evident during Sri Lanka’s push for their first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final spot. Mendis delivered a series of crucial innings, demonstrating both consistency and class in the whites.
The left-handed batter’s rise in 2024 underscores his potential to be a key figure for Sri Lanka in the years to come, earning him recognition alongside some of cricket’s modern greats.