As the calendar year of 2024 comes to an end, the Indian cricket team, led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, looks back on a season of unforgettable moments and formidable challenges. The year was a whirlwind of emotions for players and fans alike, filled with milestones that showcased the team’s potential on the global stage. From spectacular victories that etched their names in history books to heart-stopping encounters that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Team India’s journey in 2024 was nothing short of captivating. It was a year that saw emerging stars shine brightly, senior players lead with grit, and the team push its boundaries in pursuit of excellence.
However, 2024 was not without its trials. The team faced unprecedented challenges, including injuries to key players, close defeats in crucial matches, and moments where their performance came under scrutiny. These setbacks tested the resilience and character of the squad, compelling them to dig deep and find ways to bounce back stronger.
Through it all, the highs and lows painted a vivid picture of a team striving to stay at the pinnacle of international cricket. As fans bid farewell to an eventful year, they carry forward cherished memories while eagerly anticipating what the next chapter holds for Team India.
A historic start to 2024
Memorable triumphs over South Africa and England
India kicked off the year with a significant achievement in Test cricket by securing a historic win against South Africa at Cape Town, drawing the 2-match series 1-1. This victory was not only a morale booster but also showcased the team’s ability to triumph in challenging conditions. Later, they dominated England at home, clinching a 4-1 Test series win, which was highlighted by a record-breaking 434-run victory in Rajkot, the biggest Test win for India by runs.
The T20 World Cup glory
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly India’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States. Under Rohit’s captaincy and with stellar performances from Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and an emerging Yashasvi Jaiswal, India won the tournament without losing a single match, ending an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. 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 were nearly unbeatable, winning five bilateral series, including sweeps against Afghanistan and Bangladesh at home and away battle in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. This included setting multiple records, with Sanju Samson becoming the first player to score three centuries in T20Is in a calendar year, and India achieving the highest win percentage in T20I history for a calendar year.
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Challenges and Setbacks
Historic loss against Sri Lanka
However, 2024 wasn’t without its lows. The ODI format proved particularly challenging. India lost a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years and went the entire year without a single ODI win, something not seen in 45 years.
Embarrassing show against New Zealand
In Tests, the home series against New Zealand was a shock, resulting in a 0-3 whitewash, marking the first time in 36 years India lost a Test series at home to New Zealand. Additionally, the team suffered their lowest Test total at home, further underlining the unexpected lows in what was otherwise a successful year.
Struggle in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Further, India also struggled against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Though they began well with a win in Perth in the opening Test but faced challengers thereafter. The visitors lost the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide followed by a drawn game in Gabba before ending the 2024 with a loss in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Notably, the series will conclude with the New Year Test at Sydney in January 2025.
Emerging stars and transition
The year also marked significant transitions within the team. With Rohit and Virat Kohli retiring from T20 cricket after the World Cup win, and Gautam Gambhir taking over as head coach, India are clearly setting its sights on a new era. The emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who became the leading run-scorer for India in 2024, and Nitish Reddy, who impressed with his all-round heroics in BGT, signal a bright future for Indian cricket
