India dominance in cricket was reaffirmed as four of their players were named in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024.
This annual accolade highlights players who delivered stellar performances in the shortest format, making 2024 a memorable year in T20 cricket. Let’s dive into the achievements of the selected players.
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Rohit Sharma (India)
Matches: 11 | Runs: 378 | Highest Score: 121 | Average: 42.00 | Strike Rate: 160.16 | Centuries: 1
2024 marked a historic year for Rohit Sharma, who captained India to their first T20 World Cup title in over a decade. As an opener, he amassed 378 runs across 11 matches at an impressive average of 42. His strike rate of 160.16 underscored his aggressive approach, highlighted by three half-centuries, including a blazing 92 against Australia in the Super Eights. Rohit’s exceptional leadership guided a young Indian side to navigate high-pressure scenarios, securing a year of glory for his team.
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Travis Head (Australia)
Matches: 15 | Runs: 539 | Highest Score: 80 | Average: 38.50 | Strike Rate: 178.47 | Half-Centuries: 4
Travis Head was a cornerstone of Australia’s batting lineup in 2024. Scoring 539 runs at an explosive strike rate of 178.47, he often set the tone in the powerplay. His adaptability against both pace and spin made him a critical player, especially in challenging conditions. Despite Australia falling short in the T20 World Cup, Head’s standout performances, including a gutsy 80 against India, earned him the top spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings.
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Phil Salt (England)
Matches: 17 | Runs: 467 | Highest Score: 103* | Average: 38.91 | Strike Rate: 164.43 | Centuries: 1
Phil Salt emerged as a crucial player for England, known for his fearless starts and quick acceleration. His 467 runs at a strike rate of 164.43 made him a consistent threat at the top order. Salt’s highlights included an unbeaten 103 against the West Indies and a match-winning 87 at the T20 World Cup. His dynamic batting earned him the No. 2 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings.
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Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Matches: 24 | Runs: 738 | Highest Score: 75 | Average: 33.54 | Half-Centuries: 6
Pakistan’s Babar Azam continued to demonstrate his class in 2024, amassing 738 runs in 24 matches. Renowned for his consistency, Babar anchored Pakistan’s innings, frequently rescuing his team in challenging situations. His three consecutive fifties against New Zealand and ability to excel under pressure reaffirmed his place among cricket’s elite.
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Hardik Pandya (India)
Matches: 17 | Runs: 352 | Wickets: 16 | Best Figures: 3/20
Hardik Pandya solidified his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket. Contributing 352 runs and 16 wickets in 17 matches, his performances were instrumental in India’s World Cup triumph. His standout display included a clutch bowling performance in the final, defending 16 runs in the last over against South Africa. Pandya’s versatility and ability to deliver in crunch moments made him indispensable.
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Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Matches: 14 | Wickets: 31 | Best Figures: 4/14 | Average: 9.58
Rashid Khan led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with aplomb, claiming 31 wickets at an extraordinary average of 9.58. His consistency and variations were key to Afghanistan’s historic run to the T20 World Cup semifinals. Rashid’s four four-wicket hauls during the year highlight his match-winning abilities.
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Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Matches: 8 | Wickets: 15 | Best Figures: 3/7 | Average: 8.26
Returning to T20I cricket in 2024, Jasprit Bumrah was at his lethal best, spearheading India’s bowling attack. His precise yorkers and incredible death-overs control played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup campaign. Bumrah’s 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best bowlers.
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Arshdeep Singh (India)
Matches: 18 | Wickets: 36 | Best Figures: 4/9 | Average: 13.50
Arshdeep Singh emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker, finishing the year with 36 scalps in 18 matches. Known for his accuracy in death overs, Arshdeep was the second-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, delivering a fiery 4/9 against hosts USA. His rise to prominence made him a nominee for ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year.
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India’s dominance in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year underscores their exceptional 2024 season, culminating in their T20 World Cup victory.