As the calendar year 2024 draws to a close, the Indian cricket team, led by the experienced Rohit Sharmalooks back on a season of unforgettable moments and huge challenges. The year was a whirlwind of emotions for players and fans, filled with milestones that showed the team’s potential on the global stage. From spectacular victories that etched their names in the history books to incredible encounters that kept the fans on the edge of their seats, the journey of the Indian team in 2024 has been nothing short of enthralling. It was a year where emerging stars shone brightly, senior players led with determination, and the team pushed its boundaries in pursuit of excellence.
However, 2024 did not pass without trials. The team faced unprecedented challenges, including injuries to key players, narrow defeats in key games and moments where their performance came under scrutiny. These setbacks tested the team’s resilience and character, forcing them to dig deep and find ways to come back stronger.
Through it all, the ups and downs painted a vivid picture of a team striving to remain at the pinnacle of international cricket. As fans say goodbye to an eventful year, they carry back fond memories as they eagerly anticipate what the next chapter holds for Team India.
The historic beginning of 2024
Unforgettable triumphs over South Africa and England
India started the year with a notable success in Test cricket by securing a historic win against South Africa in Cape Town, tying the 2-game series 1-1. This win not only boosted morale but also demonstrated the team’s ability to triumph in challenging conditions. Later they dominated England at home, claiming a 4–1 Test series victory, highlighted by a record 434-run victory in Rajkot, India’s highest Test win by runs.
T20 World Cup glory
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly India’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cuphosted by the West Indies and the United States. Under Rohit’s leadership and with stellar performances from Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrahand in the making Yashasvi JaiswalIndia won the tournament without losing a single match, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought. The celebrations in Mumbai with an open bus parade were a testament to the joy and pride this victory brought to the nation.
Bilateral series dominance
In the T20 format, India have been virtually unbeatable, winning five bilateral series, including raids against Afghanistan and Bangladesh home and away fight in Zimbabwe, Sri Lankaand South Africa. This includes setting multiple records, with Sanju Samson becoming the first player to score three T20I centuries in one calendar year and India achieving the highest winning percentage in T20I history in one calendar year.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most runs scored in 2024 ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Challenges and setbacks
A historic defeat by Sri Lanka
However, 2024 was not without its downfalls. The ODI format proved particularly challenging. India lost a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years and went an entire year without a single ODI win, something not seen in 45 years.
Disgraceful performance against New Zealand
In Tests, the home series against New Zealand was a shocker, resulting in a 0–3 scoreline, the first time in 36 years that India had lost a Test series at home to New Zealand. Additionally, the team had their lowest Test total at home, further highlighting the unexpected dips in an otherwise successful year.
Fighting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Furthermore, India also faced Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Although they got off to a good start with a win in Perth in the first Test, they faced challengers after that. The visitors lost the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide followed by a draw at the Gabba before ending 2024 with a defeat in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Namely, the series will end with the New Year’s test in Sydney in January 2025.
Emerging stars and transition
The year also marked significant changes within the team. With Rohit and Virat Kohli by retiring from T20 cricket after winning the World Cup, and Gautam Gambhir Taking over as head coach, India has clearly entered a new era. Emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswalwho became the top scorer for India in 2024, i Nitish Reddywho impressed with his all-round heroics in BGT, signals a bright future for Indian cricket
Also READ: Top 5 players with most wickets in 2024 ft. Jasprit Bumrah
