Indian cricket received global recognition as Wisden celebrated the standout performances of 2024 in T20I cricket. The publication unveiled its Top 10 T20I batting and bowling performances, featuring several Indian players, with skipper Rohit Sharma and pacer Jasprit Bumrah claiming the top spots in their respective categories.
Batting Highlights:
1. Rohit Sharma’s Explosive 92 vs Australia (Super Eight, T20 WC)
Rohit Sharma’s 41-ball 92 against Australia at Gros Islet in the ICC T20 World Cup topped Wisden’s batting list. His ferocious knock, which included seven fours and eight sixes, was pivotal in India’s 24-run victory.
- Key Moments:
- Smashed 29 runs off a single over by Mitchell Starc.
- Took down Pat Cummins with a massive slog sweep.
- Fielded brilliantly to dismiss Travis Head, who top-scored for Australia with 76.
This performance marked India’s resurgence in T20Is, avenging their past defeats against Australia.
4. Axar Patel’s Counter-Attack in T20 WC Final
Axar Patel’s 47 (31) in the final against South Africa at Bridgetown secured fourth place. Walking in at 34/3, Axar partnered with Virat Kohli (76 off 59) for a crucial 72-run stand, propelling India to 176/7.
8. Tilak Varma’s 120 vs South Africa (Fourth T20I)*
Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 120 off 47 balls at Johannesburg earned him the eighth spot. Supported by Sanju Samson (100*), Tilak’s innings featured 10 sixes and 9 fours, as India posted a mammoth 283/1.
Bowling Highlights:
1. Jasprit Bumrah’s Death-Bowling Masterclass (T20 WC Final)
Bumrah’s spell of 2/18 in four overs in the World Cup final was named Wisden’s top bowling performance of the year. Defending 177, Bumrah:
- Took early wickets, including Reeza Hendricks.
- Bowled a remarkable death spell, conceding just six runs in his last two overs and dismissing Marco Jansen.
India held their nerves to win by seven runs.
6. Bumrah’s Game-Changer vs Pakistan (Group Stage)
Bumrah’s spell of 3/14 against Pakistan revived India’s T20 WC campaign. Defending 120, Bumrah’s dismissal of a well-set Mohammad Rizwan turned the game, leading to a narrow six-run victory.
9. Varun Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul vs South Africa
Chakravarthy’s stunning 5/17 helped India nearly defend 124 against South Africa in a group-stage match. Though Proteas eventually won, Varun’s spell was a testament to India’s spin depth.
Conclusion:
These performances underscore India’s dominance in T20 cricket throughout 2024. The contributions of players like Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, and Jasprit Bumrah have not only brought silverware home but also cemented India’s standing as a powerhouse in international cricket.