Team India 2024 flashback: A year of remarkable Test highs and lows

As the calendar year of 2024 comes to an end, the Indian cricket team, led by the experienced Rohit Sharmarecalls a season of unforgettable moments and formidable challenges. The year was a whirlwind of emotions for players and fans alike, filled with milestones that showcased the team’s potential on the global stage. From spectacular victories that etched their names in the history books to thrilling encounters that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Team India’s journey in 2024 was captivating. It was a year where emerging stars shone brightly, senior players led strongly and the team pushed its limits in pursuit of excellence.

However, 2024 was not without trials. The team faced unprecedented challenges, including injuries to key players, narrow defeats in crucial matches and moments when their performance came under scrutiny. These setbacks tested the team’s resilience and character, forcing them to dig deep and find ways to bounce back stronger.

All in all, the ups and downs painted a vivid picture of a team struggling to stay at the pinnacle of international cricket. As fans say goodbye to an eventful year, they carry cherished memories with them as they look forward to what the next chapter holds for Team India.

A historic start to 2024

Memorable wins over South Africa and England

India began the year with a major achievement in Test cricket by securing a historic win against south africa in Cape Town, tying the 2-game series 1-1. This win was not only a morale booster, but also showed the team’s ability to succeed in difficult conditions. Later, they dominated England at home, securing a 4-1 Test series win, highlighted by a record 434-run victory in Rajkot, India’s biggest Test win by runs.

The glory of the T20 World Cup

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly India’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cupco-presented by the West Indies and the United States. Under the captaincy of Rohit and with stellar performances from Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrahand an emerging one Yashasvi JaiswalIndia won the tournament without losing a single match, ending an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. Celebrations in Mumbai with an open bus parade were a testament to the joy and pride this victory brought to the nation.

Dominance of bilateral series

In the T20 format, India were almost unbeaten, winning five bilateral series, including sweeps against Afghanistan i Bangladesh battle at home and away Zimbabwe, Sri Lankaand South Africa. This included setting several records, with Sanju Samson becoming the first player to score three centuries in T20Is in a calendar year, and India achieving the highest winning percentage in T20I history in a calendar year.

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Challenges and setbacks

Historic loss against Sri Lanka

However, 2024 was not without minimums. The ODI format proved particularly difficult. India lost a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years and went the entire year without a single ODI win, which had not been seen in 45 years.

Shameful show against New Zealand

In the Tests, the home series against New Zealand was a shock, resulting in a 0–3 blank, marking the first time in 36 years that India lost a home Test series against New Zealand. In addition, the team suffered its lowest test total at home, further underscoring the unexpected lows in what would otherwise be a successful year.

Fight in the Frontera-Gavaskar Trophy

Additionally, India also battled against Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Although they got off to a good start with a win in Perth in the opening Test, they then faced challengers. The visitors lost the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide followed by a draw at the Gabba before ending 2024 with a Boxing Day Test defeat in Melbourne. Notably, the series will conclude with the New Year’s Test in Sydney in January 2025.

Rising stars and transition

The year also marked important transitions within the team. With Rohit and Virat Kohli retire from T20 cricket after the World Cup win, and Gautam Gambhir Taking over as head coach, India is clearly setting its sights on a new era. The emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswalwho became India’s top scorer in 2024, and Nitish Reddywho impressed with his heroics on BGT, points to a bright future for Indian cricket

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