In 2024, India focused on the ICC T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship final. India played only three ODIs and lost the series to Sri Lanka 2-0. Washington Sundar was the leading wicket-taker, with spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel performing well. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Riyan Parag also contributed.
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Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja, 38, plans to continue his Test career as long as he feels he is contributing effectively. Despite a below-par performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Khawaja remains focused on contributing to the Australian team's success, maintaining regular communication with coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey.
Punjab Kings, under new captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, aim to break their 17-year IPL trophy dsrought. Ponting, emphasizing a winning mindset, has high hopes for young talents like Musheer Khan and Priyansh Arya as the coach aims to transform Punjab into a championship team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has dismissed rumors of removing Imran Khan's name from an enclosure at Gaddafi Stadium due to his imprisonment on corruption charges. They confirmed that names of all enclosures remain unchanged. Imran Khan, facing a 14-year sentence, claims the accusations are politically motivated.
Newly-appointed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant, who made his international debut under Virat Kohli in 2017, has also had the privilege of playing alongside the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Reflecting on his journey, Pant emphasised the value of learning from various leaders. Pant particularly highlighted the influence of one particlual skipper, noting the importance of care and trust in leadership.
Josh Inglis scored an unbeaten 120 to lead Australia to a record chase, beating England by five wickets in the Champions Trophy opener. Despite Ben Duckett's 165 propelling England to 351/8, Australia achieved the highest successful chase in ICC white-ball tournament history, with significant contributions from Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell.
Pakistan Cricket Board will send Saim Ayub to London for treatment after he fractured his right ankle during the second Test against South Africa. Ayub's injury has caused concern over his Champions Trophy availability. He will consult a specialist in London and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood will accompany him.
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra made a triumphant return from a bizarre on-field injury, scoring a match-winning 112 in a victory over Bangladesh to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. His crucial partnership with Tom Latham helped eliminate Bangladesh and Pakistan from the competition.
Jasprit Bumrah expressed gratitude upon winning the prestigious ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year award, highlighting India's T20 World Cup victory as his most cherished memory of 2024. Bumrah, who also earned the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year title and a spot in the Test Team of the Year, emphasized that team success remains his top priority.
South Africa secured a 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Test in Cape Town, clinching a 2-0 series victory. Despite Pakistan's second-innings fightback led by Shan Masood's 145, South Africa comfortably reached their 58-run target in 7.1 overs. South Africa's bowlers faced challenges from a placid pitch but succeeded, setting them up for the Test championship final against Australia.
Kerala and Gujarat have progressed to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals in contrasting fashions. Kerala narrowly edged Jammu and Kashmir by a one-run first-innings lead, while Gujarat dominated Saurashtra with an innings and 98 runs win. Despite not having players in the top 20 run-scorers, both teams exhibit strong team spirit and determination to excel.