Rohit Sharma Named Captain of ICC T20I Team of the Year; Kohli Misses Out

January 25, 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced its T20I Team of the Year, with India’s Rohit Sharma chosen as captain. The squad features four Indian players: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh, all of whom played pivotal roles in India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. However, Virat Kohli, who was instrumental in the final, was not included in the XI.

A Stellar Year for Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, 37, capped off a remarkable year by leading India to their second T20 World Cup title. In 2024, he played 11 T20Is, amassing 378 runs with a highest score of 121 against Afghanistan. He shone during the World Cup, registering three half-centuries, including a blistering 92 against Australia in the Super Eight stage. Following India’s triumphant campaign, Rohit announced his retirement from the T20I format, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.

Hardik Pandya: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire

Hardik Pandya further cemented his reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in T20 cricket. In 17 matches, he scored 352 runs and claimed 16 wickets. His contributions in the World Cup were critical, including 144 runs with the bat and 11 wickets. He was particularly impressive in the final against South Africa, where his figures of 3/20 and composure in the death overs secured India’s victory.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Masterclass

Jasprit Bumrah had an extraordinary year with the ball, taking 15 wickets during the T20 World Cup at an incredible average of 8.26. His ability to deliver under pressure made a significant difference for India, especially in tight contests. Bumrah’s consistent performances have also earned him a nomination for the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.

Arshdeep Singh’s Breakthrough Year

Arshdeep Singh emerged as one of India’s most reliable bowlers in 2024, taking 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.50. In the T20 World Cup, he was the leading wicket-taker with 17 dismissals in eight games. His best performance came against co-hosts USA, where he registered figures of 4/9. Arshdeep also became India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal.

International Stars in the XI

The T20I Team of the Year also includes players from other top cricketing nations. Australia’s Travis Head, England’s Phil Salt, Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan all made the cut. West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran and Zimbabwe’s all-rounder Sikandar Raza round out the lineup.

ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024:

Rohit Sharma ©, Travis Head, Phil Salt, Babar Azam, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.