Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar wins People's Choice Award

DUBAI: Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was today declared winner of the LG People's Choice Award as he pipped South African paceman Dale Steyn and Australia's Mitchell Johnson in the voting by the fans.

England women's captain Charlotte Edwards and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews were also among the nominees.

Bhuvneshwar is only the fourth cricketer and third Indian to win the coveted prize after Sachin Tendulkar (2010) and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who won it last year.

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara had won back-to-back awards in 2011 and 2012.

"First of all, I'd like to thank each and every one who has voted for me in the LG People's Choice Award. This award means a lot to me as I didn't get it only for my individual performance but because of the love and support of my fans," Bhuvneshwar was quoted as saying in an ICC release.

"Where I am today is because of my parents and coaches, and whatever they taught me in life as a person. I'd also like to thank my team-mates because without their support this won't have been possible. So, thank you so much," he said.

BCCI congratulated the fast bowler for getting the award. "He has been one of our most consistent cricketers with bat and ball in the recent past. On behalf of the BCCI, I congratulate him, and wish him all the best for the forthcoming matches and series," BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel said in a release.