India is undeniably a cricketing powerhouse. With a rich cricketing heritage and home to the world’s most lucrative and prestigious franchise cricket league, the Indian Premier League (IPL), they are always among the favourites in any tournament. However, when it comes to ICC events, India’s record isn’t as stellar as one might expect. Despite their dominance in bilateral series, the Men in Blue have often stumbled at crucial junctures in ICC tournaments.

As the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, Rohit Sharma and his team are eager to end the trophy drought that has persisted since 2013.

Let’s take a look at India’s T20 World Cup Journey

1. The Inaugural T20 World Cup 2007

The inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 marked a new era for Indian cricket. MS Dhoni, the newly appointed captain, led a fresh and youthful team into the tournament. The journey began with a rain-washed match against Scotland, forcing India to make their debut against arch-rivals Pakistan. The game ended in a dramatic tie, resolved by a thrilling bowl-out, which India won 3-0.

In the Super 8 stage, despite an initial loss to New Zealand, India bounced back by defeating England and South Africa. The semi-final saw India triumph over the formidable Australian team, setting the stage for a historic final against Pakistan. Under Dhoni’s astute leadership, India clinched the title by defeating Pakistan by five runs, marking their entry into the T20 cricket world with a bang.

India’s highest run-scorer: Gautam Gambhir (227 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: RP Singh (12 wickets)

2. T20 World Cup 2009

The 2009 T20 World Cup in England saw India breezing through the Group Stage with wins against Bangladesh and Ireland. However, the Super 8 stage proved challenging. Losses to the West Indies, England, and South Africa ended India’s campaign prematurely. Despite the setbacks, players like Yuvraj Singh (153 runs) and Zaheer Khan (7 wickets) delivered commendable performances.

India’s highest run-scorer: Yuvraj Singh (153 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Zaheer Khan and Pragyan Ojha (7 wickets)

3. T20 World Cup 2010

In the 2010 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, India started strong with victories over Afghanistan and South Africa. Suresh Raina made history by scoring the first T20I century for India. However, the Super 8 stage was again their Achilles heel, with losses to Australia, West Indies, and Sri Lanka leading to another early exit.

India’s highest run-scorer: Suresh Raina (219 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Ashish Nehra (10 wickets)

4. T20 World Cup 2012

The 2012 edition saw India once more dominate the Group Stage but falter in the Super 8. Despite wins over Pakistan and South Africa, a heavy defeat to Australia hindered their progress. Virat Kohli emerged as the top run-scorer with 185 runs, while Lakshmipathy Balaji was the leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets.

India’s highest run-scorer: Virat Kohli (185 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Lakshmipathy Balaji (9 wickets)

5. T20 World Cup 2014

In 2014, hosted by Bangladesh, India finally broke their Super 8 jinx and advanced to the knockout stages. The team displayed exceptional form, winning all matches leading to the final. However, in the final against Sri Lanka, India’s batting lineup collapsed, managing only 130 runs, which Sri Lanka chased down comfortably. Despite the loss, Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 319 runs in the tournament stood out.

India’s highest run-scorer: Virat Kolhi (319 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Ravichandran Ashwin (11 wickets)

6. T20 World Cup 2016

Hosting the 2016 T20 World Cup, India had high hopes. After a shaky start against New Zealand, India returned with wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Virat Kohli’s memorable knock against Australia in a virtual quarter-final was a highlight. However, the semi-final against West Indies ended in heartbreak as the Caribbean team chased down 192 runs.

India’s highest run-scorer: Virat Kohli (273 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Hardik Pandya and Ashish Nehra (5 wickets)

7. T20 World Cup 2021

The 2021 T20 World Cup, held in Oman and UAE, was a mixed bag for India. Early losses to Pakistan and New Zealand in the Super 12 stage left India with an uphill task. Despite strong performances in subsequent matches against Scotland, Afghanistan, and Namibia, the initial defeats were too significant to overcome, leading to an early exit.

India’s highest run-scorer: KL Rahul (194 runs)

India’s highest wicket-taker: Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah (7 wickets)

8. T20 World Cup 2022

In the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, India started with an exciting win over Pakistan, thanks to Virat Kohli’s stellar innings. Despite losing to South Africa, India topped their group with wins against the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. However, the semi-final against England ended disastrously with a 10-wicket defeat, extending India’s wait for an ICC title since 2013.

India’s highest run-scorer: Virat Kohli – 296 runs

India’s highest wicket-taker: Arshdeep Singh – 10 wickets

Future Prospects

With the T20 World Cup 2024 rapidly approaching, Team India, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, looks forward to a new chapter. The combination of experienced veterans like Rohit and Kohli and emerging talents such as Jitesh Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi promises an exciting future. Addressing middle-order consistency and refining bowling strategies will be crucial for their success. The road ahead is challenging, but with a talented squad and a strategic approach, India can aim to lift the coveted trophy once again.

India squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan