The recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup has ended on a high note, with India winning their second title after a 17-year gap. This victory not only marks the end of the team’s hiatus from winning an ICC trophy since 2013 but also signifies a significant achievement for Indian cricket. The team’s performance from various departments of the game has been significant.

This tournament has provided some wholesome moments, especially from some unexpected players who have had a recent bleak performance run. This article delves into the five players who have been the game-changers in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup winning campaign, including some who have defied expectations with their stellar performances.

1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been having a downfall of a stint for a brief period, starting from his IPL transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. Have been hindered by injuries regularly, and many people didn’t expect much from his ability, especially after having a disastrous season with the Mumbai Indians as the captain.

But he has proved all the critics wrong and has proven to be the team’s clutch player in the tournament. He displayed his sheer athleticism with his fielding and making crucial runs and wickets. By this, he has shown one of the best comebacks in the sporting world. In his tournament campaign, he has made 144 runs at a strike rate of 151.57. In addition, he scalped 11 wickets at an economy of 7.64.

2. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the most reliable middle-order batters in the game’s shortest format. And he has proved it in their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. He has made 199 runs at a commendable strike rate of 135.37.

Yadav gave a solid campaign to team’s middle order by scoring two half-centuries. He has hit a crucial 47 in the semi-final against England despite playing on some challenging batting tracks. And not to mention his fielding prowess with one of the tournament’s most incredible catches in a pivotal time in the final off David Miller against South Africa.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Tournament and India’s secret weapon in their title victory was unbeatable. More than his 15 wickets, Bumrah’s contribution in limiting opponents’ scoring rates made him India’s most valuable Player throughout the competition.

His 4.17 economy rate is the greatest ever recorded by a bowler in a single edition of the men’s T20 World Cup. In his tournament campaign, he has taken 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, with his best statistics of 3/7 coming against Afghanistan.  

Also Read: Rohit Sharma- The Everlasting Big Brother of the Indian Team

4. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh ended as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker, taking 17 wickets in eight matches at an economy and average of 7.16 and 12.64, respectively.

The left-arm fast bowler was an excellent match for Jasprit Bumrah with the ball, particularly during his early Powerplay stints. In the final, Arshdeep was instrumental in India’s victory, getting Quinton de Kock’s crucial wicket at a critical moment in the game and then bowling a magnificent last over, surrendering only four runs.

5. Axar Patel

Axar Patel’s versatility was a key factor in India’s title-winning campaign. He contributed in various ways, from scoring critical runs with the bat to taking crucial wickets with the ball.

His adaptability and strong performances in different roles were instrumental in India’s success. In the tournament, he scored 92 runs at an economy of 139.39. Also, he took nine wickets at an economy of 7.86. His stunning counter-attacking 47 in the final, after being pushed up the order, allowed Virat Kohli to settle in and play the anchor role.