Indian Cricket’s Rollercoaster Ride in 2024

The year 2024 was a whirlwind for Indian cricket, marked by historic achievements and humbling defeats. From World Cup glory to a rare home Test series loss, it was a year of stark contrasts that brought optimism and hard lessons.
Conquering Cape Town
India began the year on a high, clinching their first-ever Test win in Cape Town. Down 0-1 in a two-match series against South Africa, India’s bowlers staged a spectacular comeback. Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul in the first innings skittled the Proteas for just 55, their seventh-lowest Test total. Debutant Mukesh Kumar impressed with match figures of 4/56, and India chased a modest target of 79 to draw the series, a testament to their bowling depth.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Rise
Yashasvi Jaiswal cemented his place as a future star with a sensational home Test series against England, scoring 712 runs, including two double centuries. At 23, he joined the elite club of players with 700+ runs in a series, emulating Sunil Gavaskar. Alongside Shubman Gill, Jaiswal proved that the next generation is ready to carry Indian cricket forward.
Redemption in the World Cup
After years of heartbreak, India ended their ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup, their first since 2011. The unbeaten campaign showcased remarkable resilience, highlighted by a thrilling final win against South Africa. India also recorded their highest-ever T20I score (297/6) and finished 2024 with an unprecedented 92.31% win rate in T20Is.
Farewells and New Beginnings
The World Cup victory marked the end of an era, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20Is. Suryakumar Yadav was named the new captain, bringing a fresh approach to leadership. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach faced early criticism after a rocky start.
Setbacks Abroad and at Home
India’s vulnerabilities were exposed in away and home series alike. A 2-0 ODI series loss to Sri Lanka, their first since 1997, highlighted struggles against spin. The year’s biggest disappointment came with a 0-3 Test whitewash at home against New Zealand, their first home series loss in 12 years. The Kiwis’ left-arm spinners exploited India’s batting frailties, raising questions about preparation and adaptability.
Lessons for the Future
As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, Indian cricket stands at a crossroads. While there’s hope in emerging talent, addressing weaknesses like spin vulnerability and rethinking star culture will be crucial. With strategic changes, the team can aim for consistent success in 2025 and beyond.