The year 2024 has been a memorable one for Team India, especially in the T20I format as Rohit Sharma and co. won the T20 World Cup after 17 years. India’s dominance in the shortest format of the game was marked by consistent performances from both senior and emerging players, culminating in several milestones and notable victories.
One of the standout achievements was India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, as the Indian side not only won the trophy but also the hearts of their million fans. The campaign was spearheaded by top-notch performances from players like skipper Rohit Sharma, who emerged as India’s leading run scorer, and the ever-reliable Suryakumar Yadav, whose innovative batting lit up the tournament.
The year also witnessed several records being shattered. Sanju Samson’s consistency and his ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed made him a standout performer. The team’s aggressive approach, coupled with tactical brilliance, ensured series wins against top-ranked teams, further solidifying India’s position as a powerhouse in T20 cricket.
From nail-biting finishes to dominant displays, 2024 will be remembered as a year when Team India truly stamped their authority in the T20I format, thrilling fans and setting new benchmarks in the process.
Here’s the list of India’s five best T20 batters in 2024:
1. Sanju Samson
Indian opener Sanju Samson has for the first time played an entire year of engaging cricket and has also emerged as India’s highest run-getter in the format. Samson, who has scored 3 back-to-back T20I hundreds, has been widely regarded for his breathtaking striking power.
Sanju’s dynamic batting style and versatility have placed him among the top with 436 runs in 12 innings. He has an average of 43.60, with 3 centuries and one fifty.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, also known as “Mr. 360” of Indian cricket, remained a key player for the team. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and adapt to any situation makes him India’s most reliable T20 batter.
With his innovative shots and consistency, SKY continues to dominate T20 cricket. Though the current Indian skipper saw a dip in his sublime form, as he witnessed the first ever year in T20I cricket without having scored a century, as he scored 429 runs across 17 innings, averaging 26.81 with 4 fifties to his name.
3. Rohit Sharma
World Cup-winning T20I skipper Rohit Sharma retired from T20 cricket after he helped India in their triumph in the United States. The veteran opener scored 378 runs in 11 innings, while he averaged nearly 42. Undoubtedly, Rohit Sharma was one of the players with the best intent India has ever witnessed.
Rohit significantly contributed with the bat with one century and 3 fifties in 2024.
4. Hardik Pandya
India’s and rightly one of the greatest all-rounders in the world, Hardik Pandya, has often delivered with both bat and ball for India. While he is largely known for his finishing abilities, he showcased how much of a matchwinner he is against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final.
Pandya was the main man to have turned India’s fortunes in the T20 World Cup with his strategic gameplay. In 2024, he managed to score 352 runs with an average of 44 in 14 innings.
5. Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma, who got into the T20I side when India’s frontline players were dropped, was the most promising prospect in terms of the shortest format of the game for India. Tilak is a perfect blend of fearless as well as sensible classical stroke play, which makes him an asset for the upcoming future as an all-format cricketer.
In 2024, Tilak cemented his place in the squad by scoring 306 runs in 5 innings, with an average of 102, including 2 centuries.
