Jasprit Bumrah, a contender for Arjuna Award

The BCCI office-bearers are expected to zero in on nominations for the men’s and women’s categories later this month but the Gujarat pacer’s stupendous performance in the last four years makes him the most worthy candidate.

If BCCI decides to send multiple names in the men’s category, senior opener Shikhar Dhawan could also be preferred as he missed out in 2018 despite the Board sending his nomination.

“Last year, we had sent three names in men’s section -- Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami,” a BCCI source said.

Bumrah lost out as he had completed only two years in international cricket while the criteria of selection requires performance of at least three years at the highest level.

“That’s why Bumrah, who completed three years of international cricket last year, missed out to Jadeja, who is senior as well as a consistent performer for many years,” the source added.

The 26-year-old has 68 wickets from 14 Tests, 104 wickets from 64 ODIs and 59 wickets from 50 T20Is, making for a phenomenal four years in India colours.

“He certainly has the best credentials. He was ICC’s No 1 ranked ODI bowler. He is the only Asian bowler to pick up five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies,” the source said.