Year Ender 2024: T20 World Cup Win to Whitewash Against NZ: Highs and Lows for Indian Cricket Team in Calendar Year

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Year Ender 2024: The year 2024 saw Indian cricket at its most unpredictable, marked by soaring triumphs and bitter disappointments. From a glorious T20 World Cup win to a historic home Test series loss, it was a rollercoaster ride.

India’s cricket calendar was packed, with every match presenting opportunities for glory and pitfalls for defeat. The T20 World Cup in June and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November showcased India’s strength on the global stage.

However, a disastrous 3-0 Test series loss to New Zealand at home in October was a shocking low point. This blend of highs and lows defined a year of contrasts for Indian cricket. The defining moments of 2024 were a reflection of the team’s resilience and vulnerabilities. While India proved its mettle in white-ball cricket, red-ball struggles revealed cracks in their armour.

Let’s have a look at the peaks and troughs of the Men in Blue’s journey in the calendar year 2024.

Team India’s Highs of 2024

T20 World Cup Glory

India clinched their second T20 World Cup title in Barbados, a feat that ended a 13-year wait for ICC silverware. In a tense final against South Africa, Virat Kohli's composed 76 anchored the innings, while Jasprit Bumrah’s precise death bowling sealed a thrilling seven-run victory. This triumph became even more significant as it marked the farewell of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kohli, whose careers culminated in glory.

India’s campaign was a masterclass in adaptability. From overcoming challenging conditions in the group stages to dominating England in the semi-finals, the team showed remarkable depth. Emerging talents like Tilak Varma and Arshdeep Singh added to India’s firepower, ensuring a balanced mix of youth and experience.

Historic Test Win in Perth

India made a strong start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a commanding 295-run victory in Perth. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sensational 161 and Virat Kohli’s gritty century laid the foundation for a mammoth total, while Jasprit Bumrah’s eight wickets dismantled Australia. It was India’s largest Test win in Australia, a testament to their adaptability and resolve in foreign conditions.

This win was particularly satisfying after earlier Test setbacks. The bowlers, led by Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, exploited the pace-friendly pitch to perfection, while the batting unit showcased resilience against a formidable Australian attack. The result reaffirmed India’s ability to dominate in all conditions and provided a timely boost ahead of the remaining matches.

Team India’s Lows of 2024

3-0 Test Series Defeat to New Zealand

India’s 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand was one of the darkest chapters in their cricket history. The series began disastrously in Bengaluru, where India were bundled out for a mere 46 in the first innings – their lowest-ever total at home. Despite a spirited 462 in the second innings, New Zealand chased down a modest target of 107 with ease. Rachin Ravindra’s century and the visitors’ clinical bowling exposed India’s batting vulnerabilities.

The second Test in Pune saw a repeat of India’s frailties. Chasing a steep target of 359, the hosts crumbled to 156 in the first innings. A fighting 245 in the second innings, led by Rishabh Pant’s aggressive half-century, was not enough as India succumbed to a 113-run defeat. New Zealand’s all-round efficiency, with contributions from both their batters and bowlers, proved decisive.

The final blow came at the Wankhede Stadium, where India failed to chase a target of 147 in the third Test, falling short by 25 runs. Once again, the top order faltered under pressure, and Ajaz Patel’s 11-wicket haul across the match dismantled India’s resistance. This result ended India’s proud 18-series unbeaten streak at home, a record that had stood for over a decade.

The series highlighted India’s struggles against spin and pace alike, with key players failing to deliver under pressure. It was a wake-up call for the team, raising concerns about their World Test Championship campaign and exposing glaring weaknesses in their batting lineup.