Rohit Sharma, the captain of India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup squad, has been named skipper of the ICC T20I Men’s Team of the Year, capping off a stellar year for both him and Indian cricket. The announcement, made on Saturday, January 25, highlights India’s resurgence in T20 cricket, as the team successfully ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought in men’s cricket with their triumph in Barbados. Joining Rohit in this elite lineup are three of his Indian teammates—Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh—whose performances were instrumental in India’s World Cup success.
Rohit’s inclusion as captain and opener comes as no surprise. The 36-year-old had an incredible year, amassing 378 runs in 11 matches at a remarkable average of 42.00, coupled with an explosive strike rate of over 160. His standout performances included three crucial half-centuries, most notably a scintillating 92 against Australia in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup. Under his leadership, India showcased tactical brilliance, calmness under pressure, and consistency, key factors that led to their World Cup victory. This recognition further cements Rohit’s legacy as one of the greatest T20 players and captains of all time.
The Indian contingent in the ICC T20I Team of the Year is complemented by exceptional bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The pace attack, comprising these three players, was the backbone of India’s World Cup campaign, dismantling opposition lineups with precision and consistency. Bumrah, already regarded as one of the finest pacers in the world, continued to shine in the shortest format, while Arshdeep’s rise was nothing short of phenomenal. The left-arm seamer from Punjab emerged as a key wicket-taker, claiming 36 scalps in just 18 matches, including several game-changing spells during the World Cup. Hardik, meanwhile, proved invaluable with his all-round abilities, delivering critical contributions with both bat and ball. His final-over heroics in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where he successfully defended 16 runs, are now etched in Indian cricketing history.
Despite India’s dominance in the team selection, a few notable exclusions raised eyebrows. Virat Kohli, who played a match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup final, did not make the cut. Kohli, alongside Rohit Sharma, retired from T20 internationals after helping India secure the World Cup title, marking the end of an illustrious T20I career. Another surprising omission was World No. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav, whose explosive batting throughout the year made him a fan favorite. Additionally, South Africa, despite being World Cup runners-up, failed to have any players in the squad, a decision that sparked debates among cricket enthusiasts.
The batting lineup of the ICC T20I Men’s Team of the Year is a powerhouse of talent and firepower. Rohit Sharma will open the innings alongside Australian Travis Head, who had a stellar year in T20Is. England’s Phil Salt, known for his aggressive stroke play, takes the No. 3 position. Pakistan’s Babar Azam, despite a lackluster World Cup where he managed only 122 runs in four matches, earned his spot due to his consistent performances across the year, scoring 738 runs in 24 matches. Babar’s inclusion, alongside Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies, who will don the wicketkeeper’s gloves, adds depth and stability to the middle order.
The bowling attack features world-class spinners Rashid Khan of Afghanistan and Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka, both of whom are renowned for their match-winning abilities in the shortest format. Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, the sole representative from his country, earned his place as an all-rounder, thanks to his impactful performances with both bat and ball.
Rohit Sharma’s selection as captain is a testament to his leadership qualities and ability to inspire his team in high-pressure situations. His batting prowess and his astute tactical decisions on the field played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup triumph. The inclusion of three Indian bowlers in the pace attack highlights the team’s dominance in the format, with Bumrah and Arshdeep consistently delivering match-winning spells. Hardik Pandya’s contributions as an all-rounder further reinforced India’s status as the best T20 side of the year.
India’s dominance in the team underscores their resurgence in T20 cricket, driven by a perfect blend of experience and youthful exuberance. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, the team set a high benchmark for performance, strategy, and consistency. This recognition by the ICC not only celebrates India’s achievements in 2024 but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting era for Indian cricket in the shortest format.
