As the year 2024 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the Indian cricket team’s journey throughout the year. With remarkable achievements, some disappointing defeats, and significant milestones, Indian cricket saw a blend of triumph and challenges across all formats.

Let’s break down the highlights of an eventful year for Team India.

Test Cricket: Mixed Results and Missed Opportunities

The Indian team played a total of 13 Test matches in 2024, delivering a series of mixed results. The year started on a positive note with a comprehensive 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh. This gave fans hope for a consistent run in the longest format of the game.

In the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, India showcased their dominance, clinching the series 4-1. The team's stellar performance at home reaffirmed their position as one of the strongest Test-playing nations, with key contributions from established players and emerging talent.

However, the momentum shifted drastically in October-November when India faced New Zealand in an away series. In what was described as one of the most humiliating defeats of recent years, India suffered a clean sweep, losing the series 0-3. This crushing loss severely impacted India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final, adding pressure on the team to bounce back.

To close out the year, India played two challenging Test matches against Australia. The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with India securing a hard-fought victory in one match but falling short in the other. The inconsistency in results highlighted the need for introspection and strategy adjustments as the team heads into 2025.

T20 Cricket: Glory and a Historic World Cup Win

If Test cricket brought mixed fortunes, T20 cricket was where India truly excelled. The crowning moment of 2024 came on June 29, when India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the first time in 17 years. Under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, the team broke an 11-year drought of ICC trophies, a moment that will be etched in the hearts of Indian fans forever.

Rohit Sharma’s strategic brilliance and the collective performance of the team paved the way for this historic victory. Following this glorious triumph, Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.

Series Dominance and New Leadership

Apart from the World Cup, India dominated in bilateral T20 series throughout the year. The team played 18 T20 matches and won every series against five different nations:

• Defeated Afghanistan 3-0
• Defeated Zimbabwe 4-1
• Defeated Sri Lanka 3-0
• Defeated Bangladesh 3-0
• Defeated South Africa 3-1

After Rohit’s retirement, India appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20 captain. Under his leadership, the team maintained its aggressive approach. Young talents like Sanju Samson and Tilak Verma made waves by scoring two centuries each in the series against South Africa, signaling a bright future for Indian T20 cricket.

ODI Cricket: A Rare Disappointment

In the 50-over format, India had a subdued year, playing just one ODI series against Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, it ended in disappointment. The series began with a drawn 1st match, but India lost the second ODI by 32 runs and the third ODI by a heavy margin of 110 runs. This 2-0 series defeat highlighted the challenges India faced in adapting to ODI conditions, a stark contrast to their dominance in T20s.

ICC Rankings: A Year of Supremacy

Despite some setbacks, India continued to shine in the ICC rankings. The team remained number one in both the ODI and T20 formats for most of the year. However, in Test cricket, the series defeat to New Zealand saw India slip to third place.

Top Performers

In the men’s batting rankings, India’s stalwarts occupied prominent positions:

• Rohit Sharma (2nd place)
• Shubman Gill (3rd place)
• Virat Kohli (4th place)

In T20 cricket, Hardik Pandya secured the number one position among all-rounders. Additionally, young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant delivered noteworthy performances, solidifying their status in the Test rankings.

A New Coaching Era

After the triumph in the T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a revamped coaching setup. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir took over as the head coach, bringing his sharp cricketing mind and leadership experience.

Additionally, South African pace legend Morne Morkel was appointed as the bowling coach, while Dutch cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate became an assistant coach. Former cricketer Abhishek Nair also joined as an assistant coach, completing a formidable coaching staff aimed at taking Indian cricket to new heights.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2025

The year 2024 was a roller-coaster ride for Indian cricket. While the Test team faced challenges, the T20 squad delivered an unforgettable World Cup triumph. The retirement of legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20 cricket marked the end of an era, but it also opened the door for a new generation of players.

With a fresh coaching staff, new leadership in T20s, and a talented pool of young cricketers, India is poised for an exciting future. The lessons from 2024 will undoubtedly shape India’s cricketing strategies in 2025, as the team aims to reclaim its dominance across all formats and strive for another shot at the World Test Championship.

Indian cricket fans have every reason to stay optimistic as the team embarks on another promising year.