The year 2024 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Indian cricket fans. From the joy of clinching the T20 World Cup after a decade-long wait to enduring a historic Test series whitewash at home, the journey has been packed with emotions. Here’s a comprehensive look back at a year that will be remembered for its highs and lows:
Glorious T20 World Cup triumph
The pinnacle of 2024 for Indian cricket was undoubtedly the T20 World Cup victory. Hosted jointly by the West Indies and the USA, the tournament marked a special milestone for India as they reclaimed the title after ten long years.
Under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, the team delivered a stellar performance, silencing critics and making history. Rohit Sharma, the team’s seasoned opener, was the second-highest run-scorer, while pacers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah topped the wicket-takers’ chart. For Dravid, the victory was particularly poignant, as it came on the same soil where his captaincy saw India knocked out of the 2007 ODI World Cup.
IPL 2024: KKR’s resurgence and Pant’s comeback
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in IPL 2024, securing their third title under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. A balanced squad and standout performances from Sunil Narine, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, and Varun Chakaravarthy, the highest wicket-taker, were key to their success.
Adding excitement to the cricket calendar was the mega auction for IPL 2025. Rishabh Pant, making a remarkable comeback after a career-threatening car accident, became the most expensive player in IPL history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired him for an eye-popping Rs 27 crore.
Change in leadership
The end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach saw Gautam Gambhir stepping into the role. Gambhir’s appointment was bolstered by KKR’s IPL triumph under his mentorship. Meanwhile, on the field, Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is opened the door for Suryakumar Yadav to take over as captain.
The dynamic batter has since led India to 13 wins out of 17 matches, cementing his leadership credentials.
Women’s team win T20I series against West Indies
The Indian women’s cricket team delivered a sensational performance in the final match, defeating the West Indies by 60 runs to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1. This victory marked a historic milestone, ending a drought of home-series wins that stretched back to October 2019.
The third T20I was a spectacle of dominance and brilliance, headlined by record-breaking performances from Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana. Batting first, India posted a mammoth 217/4 — their highest-ever total in T20Is.
Richa Ghosh was the showstopper of the evening, smashing an electrifying 54 off just 21 balls. Her knock, studded with jaw-dropping sixes and boundaries, equaled the world record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is. Complementing her fireworks was Smriti Mandhana, whose classy stroke play anchored India’s innings and set the stage for their monumental total.
With a daunting target on the board, the West Indies faltered under the pressure, struggling to match India’s intensity. The Indian bowlers, backed by sharp fielding, tightened the noose, restricting the visitors and sealing a commanding victory.
This series win not only brought joy to Indian cricket fans but also showcased the growing strength and depth of the women’s team.
Farewell to legends
The year also brought farewells to some of cricket’s brightest stars. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja bid adieu to T20Is, while Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket entirely. Globally, icons like David Warner, James Anderson and Tim Southee also hung up their boots in various formats.
Challenges and setbacks
Not all moments in 2024 were celebratory. India suffered an unprecedented whitewash at home in a Test series against New Zealand, losing 3-0. This marked the first time in history that India faced such a defeat in a series of three or more matches on home soil.
New faces in Blue
Amidst the transitions, fresh talent emerged on the international stage. Players like Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan debuted in the red-ball format, while Ramandeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan showcased their skills in T20Is, hinting at a promising future for Indian cricket.
New ICC chairman
Off the field, Jay Shah assumed the role of ICC Chairman on December 1, adding another feather to India’s cricketing cap. One of his first significant announcements was the decision to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid format, ensuring logistical flexibility for participating nations.
Resilience and redemption
Rishabh Pant’s story has been the year’s most inspiring. After a life-threatening car accident, the wicketkeeper-batter not only returned to international cricket but also played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign. His journey from recovery to becoming IPL’s most expensive player underscores his resilience and determination.