Recognized for his stellar performances across formats, Mendis amassed 1,860 international runs, showcasing consistency and skill. His remarkable achievements highlight a bright future for the young star in world cricket.
Kamindu Mendis scored 1451 runs in international cricket in 2024.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Sri Lankan middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis as the winner of the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. The 26-year-old was recognized for his exceptional performances across all formats throughout the year.
Mendis delivered a stellar year with the bat, becoming the joint-third fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs, equaling Sir Don Bradman’s iconic record of achieving the milestone in just 13 innings.
He also emerged as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer during their three-match Test series in England. His standout performances were instrumental in helping Sri Lanka secure their first Test victory on English soil in a decade.
Kamindu Mendis’ performance in 2024
Kamindu Mendis had an exceptional 2024, scoring 1,451 international runs across formats at an average exceeding 50. Despite having only one Test appearance before the year began, his stellar performances cemented his place in Sri Lanka’s squad across all formats.
The talented southpaw was among the six batters to cross 1,000 Test runs in 2024, a feat highlighted by five centuries and three half-centuries.
After being named ICC Emerging Player of the Year, Mendis expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the support of his family, teammates, and coaches. He shared his joy with the ICC, saying, “I am really happy to be the Emerging Player of the Year. It means a lot to me. I would like to thank my family, my coaches, and my teammates.”
Reflecting on his performances, Mendis singled out his 113-run knock against England in Manchester as his favorite innings of the year. He explained the challenges of scoring in England, saying, “The innings I am most proud of was my century against England because, in England, you can’t score a hundred easily, so it was hard work.”
He further credited his success to dedication and teamwork: “I put a lot of hard work in the nets and training. As a team, we really worked hard and delivered great performances last year.”
With a crucial two-match Test series against Australia starting on January 29, Sri Lanka will be counting on Mendis to continue his impressive form and deliver match-winning performances.