The Indian Cricket Team is all set to give their all in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will be up against the eight powerhouse teams for an enticing tournament. The selection committee has finalised the 15-member roster, and the coaching staff and captain are responsible for picking the playing XI. India, led by Virat Kohli, competed in the previous tournament's final, which Pakistan won by a landslide. 

However, eight years later, the leadership mantle and responsibility has been given to Rohit Sharma, with India looking to win the prized trophy for the first time since 2013. From experienced veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to developing talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the squad has tremendous talent that can make a significant impact. That said, here we create the strongest probable Playing XI of the Indian Cricket Team for the forthcoming tournament.

India's Strongest Probable Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (Captain)
• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja/ Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah

(Reserve: Harshit Rana)

In the top order, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have performed admirably as an opening duo in ODI cricket. They also have much experience playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India's openers in the previous ODI World Cup. However, there is no doubt about their ability, and Indian supporters will be hoping that the captain-vice captain combo can get back into the running in the flagship event. The two talismanic batters have formed a lethal opening partnership in the last few years. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make an ODI kickstart, would be the viable backup if the initial top-order falters. 

India's middle order is one of the best positives that can be yielded from the released lineup. It possesses the correct and optimum mix of calibre and exceptional intent to change the course of the game. Virat Kohli was the leading run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023. His credentials in 50-over cricket are outstanding, which makes it a no-brainer that he gets the No.3 spot. If Kohli is in top form, India will benefit greatly, thanks to his impeccable experience. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is returning to the ODI format and has performed admirably in the 2023 World Cup. This will be his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas' performance at No. 4 will be crucial. KL Rahul will likely wear the wicketkeeping gloves and be the ideal batter to contribute critical runs. The Karnataka-based player has a terrific record in ODIs at No. 5, making him a perfect choice for giving a robust stability to the batting core.

See Also: 3 Reasons why India cannot win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Hardik Pandya, India's most premium white-ball allrounder, should start at No.6 and give much-needed balance to the team with his power-hitting and reliable medium-pace. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin-bowling all-rounder, slotted at No.7, known for producing memorable moments for the Indian Cricket Team. Another option that can be taken for No.7 is Axar Patel. Patel's rise in the International space of the game has been noteworthy. The left-arm off-spinner has played a crucial role in the team's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, and it's not a surprise that he could do the same in the coming games. As it implies, about the conditions, the team can choose one of the all-rounders for a complete arsenal. After recovering from a groin injury, Kuldeep Yadav has resumed bowling at the nets. He will play a key role in the middle overs when he can grab significant wickets and shift the momentum in India's favour.

Mohammed Shami will make his much-anticipated return to international cricket. His recent domestic circuit performance has shown promise, and it will be interesting to watch how his pace and wicket-taking talents will flip the game in his team's favour. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been the star bowler for India across all forms. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, but Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament for outstanding performances. If Bumrah stays back due to his injuries, Harshit Rana will replace the lethal pacer. He will lead the bowling assault once more. Arshdeep Singh has been a regular for India in the Twenty20 format, but he has yet to establish himself in the One-Day Internationals, and this should be the right platform for it. The left-arm seamer will provide a fresh dimension to the team.

Overall, this squad combines seasoned veterans and developing talent to provide a balanced and competitive advantage in the competition. However, player fitness and form will determine the final selection as the competition advances.

While the IPL 2025 is almost two months away from the beginning, Delhi Capitals’ captain name has been decided, according to the latest media reports.

Delhi Capitals were busy at the mega auctions for the IPL 2025. They spent big money on players like KL Rahul (INR 14 crore), Mitchell Starc (INR 11.75 crore), T. Natarajan (INR 10.75 crore), Jake Fraser-McGurk (INR 9 crore), Mukesh Kumar (INR 8 crore), Harry Brook (INR 6.25 crore), Ashutosh Sharma (INR 3.80 crore), Mohit Shama (INR 2.20 crore), Faf du Plessis (INR 2 crore), etc.

However, Delhi Capitals have reportedly decided to choose a familiar face for the leadership role after the release of their last captain Rishabh Pant.

See Also: TATA WPL 2025: Tournament Dates, Teams, and Venues Revealed

Axar Patel will lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Axar Patel, who was the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals last season, has reportedly been selected as the captain for the upcoming IPL season. He made his IPL captaincy debut last season when the skipper Rishabh Pant was suspended for the match against the hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where RCB won by 47 runs despite Patel’s half-century. 

Playing for Delhi Capitals since 2019, Patel has scored 967 runs and taken 62 wickets in 82 matches. The left-arm spinner is the third-leading wicket-taker for Capitals, and the left-handed middle-order batter scored three half-centuries for the team and has a batting average of 23.58.

Axar Patel just earns Indian T20I vice-captain role

Axar Patel was recently selected as the T20I vice-captain of the Indian national cricket team, who impressed with his all-rounder performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. In that tournament, he won the Player of the Match award in the semi-final against the defending champions England and also played a game-changing knock against South Africa in the Final. 

KL Rahul was expected to be the skipper of the Delhi Capitals. However, the present leadership choice is understandable as Rahul is under pressure, especially as a captain, which led to his exclusion from his previous IPL team Lucknow Super Giants. 

The senior men’s national selection committee has announced the T20I squad for the upcoming home series against England, starting on January 22. The selectors have also named the vice-captain of the team, and he was a hero of the team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final.

The 30-year-old all-rounder Axar Patel has been named as the T20I vice-captain of the Indian national cricket team. He has played 14 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 66 T20Is, where the left-handed batter scored 646 runs, 568 runs, and 498 runs, respectively. Also, as the left-arm spinner, he picked up 55 Test wickets, 64 ODI wickets, and 65 T20I wickets. 

Although Patel made his international cricket debut in June 2014, the all-rounder has faced many ups and downs and has slowly grown as a key member of the Indian team. In the last few years, he strongly performed for the national team and majorly grabbed his limited opportunities. 

Axar Patel: A key member during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

While Rohit Sharma-led Team India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Patel played an important role for his team. The left-arm spinner took nine wickets in the tournament, the left-handed batter scored 92 runs in five innings, including a crucial knock in the Final, and also took four catches, including a stunning catch against Australia to dismiss the dangerous skipper Mitchell Marsh. 

Strong batting at pressure situation in the Final

During the T20 World Cup 2024 Final against South Africa, when India were struggling at 34/3 in the first innings, Patel set a 72-run crucial fourth-wicket partnership with the opener Virat Kohli. His 47 off 31 balls (one four and four sixes) knock eased the massive pressure on Kohli, who won the Player of the Match award for his valuable knock of 76 runs. 

Player of the Match award in Semi-final

In the Semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024, Patel won the Player of the Match award for his incredible bowling effort against England, where India won by 68 runs. The left-arm spinner had bowling figures of 4-0-23-3, as he picked the wickets of skipper Jos Buttler (23), Jonny Bairstow (0), and Moeen Ali (8). In his final over, Liam Livingstone was run out for 11 runs. 

Four Player of the Match awards in T20I since 2023

Since 2023, Patel has scored 327 T20I runs with an average of 25.15 and a strike rate of 147.96 and has taken 31 T20I wickets, the third most T20I wicket-taker for India in this period. During this period, the T20I star won four Player of the Match awards (the second highest by an Indian in this period) and one Player of the Series award. ​

Right before the start of the first T20I game, the viewers became witness to an unusual event in Kinngsmead, Durban. The Indian national anthem reportedly stopped twice due to a possible technical glitch midway during the anthem.

In the first instance, the national anthem stopped and the players were left singing all by themselves. But when the glitch occurred a second time, players including the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma were left bewildered and their hilarious reaction soon went viral on social media like wildfire.  

Watch the full incident here

Technical issues while playing India national anthem at South Africa #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zERCrEi3DV

— Mr.Perfect 🗿 (@gotnochills007) November 8, 2024

It was a light moment for the Indian team as the players were seen chuckling around in this video footage. Hardik on one hand could be observed clapping his hands together with a smile on his face while Axar, who was standing next to him was also full of smiles. However, on the contrary, the South African team did not face any such hiccups of this sort when their country's national anthem was played. 

Calm before the storm

Although players shared a light moment before the start of the game, very few could have accurately speculated the carnage that was to follow. Sanju Samson launched a scathing attack on the Proteas bowlers and smashed his second consecutive T20I ton to power India to a commanding first innings total of 202-8. During his scintiliating knock, Samson amassed 107 in 50 balls which included seven fours and a mind-boggling 10 sixes. 

In reply, South Africa were a no-show with the bat and the target proved way beyond their reach as they were bundled out cheaply for only 141. 

See also: Controversial India vs Bangladesh Kanpur Test venue rating revealed

Veteran India all-rounder Axar Patel has announced the good news that he and his wife Meha are expecting their first child on October 7, Monday. Axar took to his social media, Instagram and shared a heartwarming video to confirm the news that he will become a father soon. However, the all-rounder was recently part of the India squad for the Bangladesh Test series but didn't feature in a single game.

However, Axar Patel married Meha at a grand function in January 2023. On Monday night, he shared the video on his official account where some candid and and beautiful moments of the couple from Meha's baby shower were shown. The families of the couple were also present at the event as well. Axar put a caption for the video, saying that a great joy is coming.

"A great joy is coming," said Axar.

You can see the full video below:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Axar Patel (@akshar.patel)

However, during an appearance on the Kapil Sharma show recently, Axar Patel had jokingly hinted that some 'good news' might be on the way for him and his wife as well.

"Yes, that could happen! I mentioned before that my favourite heroine is Deepika Padukone. Since something good has happened on her side, maybe I'll have some good news to share too," said Axar Patel on the show.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

Axar Patel played a key role in India's T20 World Cup win

However, Axar Patel has tasted success in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean. He played a key role with both bat and ball and went wicketless only in one game during the tournament as well. He was the Player Of The Match for India in the semi-final against England, where he registered figures of 3 for 23. However, his biggest contribution was in the final when he came to bat up the order with India struggling at 34 for 3 as well.

He scored a quickfire 47 off 31 balls and added an important partnership with Virat Kohli which proved to be key as Team India beat South Africa to win the T20 World Cup after 17 years as well.

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

See Also: Rohit Sharma invites fans to join India’s victory parade in Mumbai; Check full schedule

Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.

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.

The 2024 T20 World Cup has seen India create a second star on their T20I format crest. After a long gap of 17 years, winning the inaugural edition way back in 2007, the team turned out to be impactful game-changers, with every department prospering and unleashing their best game to the fullest.

With the conditions in the USA and West Indies primarily favouring the batters, the Indian bowling unit utilised this advantage to the core, scalped crucial wickets, and prevented some boundaries with a top-notch, fast and spin combination. Here are the top three bowling performances from the Indian side post their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.

1. Arshdeep Singh (4/9) vs USA

Arshdeep Singh, one of the reliable Indian pacers, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker (17) in the T20 World Cup 2024 with the Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. His finest bowling performance came against the USA in New York, when he took four wickets.

Shyan Jahangir was knocked out on the opening delivery of the match leg before wicket by Singh. Singh also removed Andries Gous in the first over, reducing the USA to three for losing two wickets in the opening over. His remaining two victims were Nitish Kumar and Harmeet Singh, who finished with an excellent 4/9 from four overs. The left-handed pacer was chosen Man of the Match for his outstanding performances.

2. Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) vs Afghanistan

Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the Man of the Tournament title thanks to his dazzling display of bowling by restricting the batters to go for big shots and boundaries. The Man of the Series of the T20 World Cup 2024 was at his best against Afghanistan in Barbados during India’s group eight match against Afghanistan. Team India scored 181 for losing eight wickets in 20 overs, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s superb half-century.

Afghanistan tends to struggle with a massive target of 182, and Jasprit Bumrah made matters worse. Rishabh Pant nabbed his first victim, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was in good form. Hazratullah Zazai followed suit. Najibullah Zadran was his third victim, and the Afghans had no answer for Bumrah’s delivery. The top-notch pacer finished with three wickets in four overs, including a maiden.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Top-3 batting highlights from the winning Indian team

3. Axar Patel (3/23) vs England

India faced England in the second semi-final of the event. Despite India’s 171-run score in 20 overs when batting first, the might of English batting could have been a cause for concern. However, Axar Patel’s strategic use of the ball changed the game.

His dismissals of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Moeen Ali early in the match set England back, and they were unable to recover. Axar Patel’s exceptional spell, with an economy of 5.75, was a game-changer for India, securing their spot in the tournament’s final match.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has wrapped up, leaving cricket fans across the globe in awe of the stunning performances and nail-biting matches. Among all the excitement, India emerged victorious, lifting the trophy for the second time. While the Indian team’s brilliance was evident, several players from different countries showcased exceptional skills. Here, we look at the best playing XI of the tournament, highlighting the standout performers.

See Also: Rohit Sharma’s unique celebrations after winning T20 World Cup 2024; FIFA and Wimbledon acknowledge

Take a look at best playing of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

This best playing XI, featuring a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging stars, exemplifies the spirit and excitement of T20 cricket. Each player brought something unique to the table, contributing to memorable performances and unforgettable matches. As we celebrate India’s victory, let’s also appreciate the remarkable efforts of these individuals who made the tournament a spectacular event.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive run in the tournament. The Afghan opener’s stats speak volumes: 8 matches, 281 runs, an average of 35.12, and a strike rate of 124.33.

Gurbaz’s role as the steady opener ensured that Afghanistan often had a solid start. His ability to build an innings and set a foundation for a competitive total made him an invaluable asset.

2. Rohit Sharma (IND) (C)

Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, had a fantastic tournament with the bat. Scoring 257 runs in 8 matches with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.70, Rohit led by example.

His captaincy was a masterclass in strategy. Utilizing four spinners effectively and adapting to match situations, Rohit showcased why he is considered one of the best captains in modern cricket.

3. Andries Gous (USA) (wk)

The USA’s wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous made a significant impact. With 219 runs in 6 matches at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 151.03, Gous was a pillar for the USA team.

Gous’s ability to handle pressure and perform in tricky conditions earned him a spot as the keeper-batter in this elite XI.

4. Suryakumar Yadav (IND)

Suryakumar Yadav continued to shine in the T20 format, scoring 199 runs in 8 matches with an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 135.37.

His knack for adapting to different playing conditions and match situations made him a crucial player for India. Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational catch on the boundary to dismiss David Miller and help India win the T20 World Cup 2024.

5. Marcus Stoinis (AUS)

Marcus Stoinis lived up to his ‘Hulk’ nickname with powerful performances. In 7 matches, he scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 164.07 and took 10 wickets.

His dual capabilities as a hard-hitting batter and reliable bowler made him indispensable to the Australian squad. In the match against Namibia, Stoinis scored 59 runs in just 29 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 203.44.

6. Hardik Pandya (IND

Hardik Pandya bounced back from a tough IPL season with a stellar World Cup performance. He scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets, showcasing his all-round prowess.

Pandya was particularly effective in the US leg of the tournament, where he emerged as a top wicket-taker for India. Hardik defended 16 runs in the final over to ensure a famous win for his team.

7. Axar Patel (IND)

Axar Patel demonstrated his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. He took 9 wickets and scored 92 runs, contributing significantly in all departments.

Axar’s presence added depth to the Indian lineup, providing both offensive and defensive options. Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls crucial knock should not be overlooked. Following the loss of three wickets for 34 runs in final match against South Africa, Axar was promoted up the order as a circuit-breaker.

8. Rashid Khan (AFG)

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan with distinction. His 14 wickets in 8 matches, with an economy rate of 6.17, underlined his importance.

Rashid’s best performances came in high-pressure matches, where he delivered critical breakthroughs. He made history in a match against Bangladesh, becoming the first spinner to surpass 150 wickets in T20I cricket and the fourth bowler to record three four-wicket hauls in the tournament.

9. Anrich Nortje (SA)

Anrich Nortje marked his return to international cricket with a bang. He took 13 wickets in 8 matches, with an average of 13.46 and a best of 4-7.

Nortje’s lethal bowling in the powerplay and death overs made him a standout performer for South Africa. The speedster made the most of spicy wickets in USA, kickstarting his campaign with a 4-7 against Sri Lanka.

He’s also been effective in the West Indies, bowling a brilliant final over to secure a close win against England and getting 2-7 in the semi-final against Afghanistan.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

Jasprit Bumrah was the tournament’s best bowler, with 15 wickets in 8 matches and an economy rate of 4.17. His average of 8.26 reflects his dominance.

As if making up for the fact that he missed the last edition of the tournament due to an injury, Jasprit Bumrah has shown peak form in the tournament.Bumrah’s ability to take wickets in all phases of the game was instrumental in India’s success.

This was most visible against Pakistan in New York, where the irrepressible pacer bamboozled the opposition in each of his short spells, and guided India to a six-run win with his 3-14.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Fazalhaq Farooqi was a revelation for Afghanistan. With 17 wickets in 9 matches and an economy rate of 6.31, he was a consistent threat to opposition batters.

Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan’s charge in the group stages with his scintillating new ball display, picking 12 wickets from his first three games, including a career-best 5-9 versus Uganda and 4-17 in his side’s historic win over New Zealand. Farooqi’s impressive performance earned him a well-deserved place in this best XI.

12th Man: Saurabh Netravlakar (USA)

Saurabh Netravalkar’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of inspirational. He played a crucial role in USA’s surprising run to the Super Eights.

His ability to bowl effectively in both powerplays and death overs, including a memorable Super Over against Pakistan, highlighted his skill and composure.

The curtains on arguably the most exhilarating of all T20 World Cups were drawn with India’s magnificent triumph over South Africa in a pulsating final that aptly summed up the entire tournament. It twisted this way and that till the very end, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. India, with their embarrassment of riches in terms of talent and an unerring determination to win, emerged victorious, solidifying their position as one of the true behemoths of modern cricket.

With this victory, India became just the third side to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup twice, England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) being the only other teams to have achieved the feat.

See Also: India-W vs South Africa-W Day 3 Stumps: India Women in strong position as South Africa Women trail by 105 runs in their second innings

Top 5 game-changing moments of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch

The final over was nail-biting with South Africa needing 16 runs to win. David Miller smashed the ball over the bowler, destined to fly over the boundary ropes. But then, Suryakumar Yadav intervened.

He plucked it out of thin air, juggled it as he went over the ropes, and managed to hold on with his feet millimeters away from the boundary cushion. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed it a legal catch, extinguishing South Africa’s last batting hope with Miller departing for 21.

Kagiso Rabada got a lucky boundary on the next ball after Miller’s dismissal, but South Africa managed just four more runs in the final four balls, including another dismissal, as India secured a narrow 7-run win.

2. Bumrah bagged wicket of Rizwan

Jasprit Bumrah’s prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan (31 off 44) in the 15th over was a turning point. Rizwan, guiding Pakistan with composure, fell to Bumrah’s stunning delivery, flattening the stumps.

The moment India won the game came in the first ball of the 15th over. The stumps lay flattened. Mohammad Rizwan, on his knees, dragged himself onto his feet from the pits of disgust. Jasprit Bumrah was wheeling away wildly, his equally excited teammates leapt onto him.

The match almost in the jaws of Pakistan, Bumrah produced a moment as only he could. Bumrah’s electrifying celebration reflected the importance of this wicket. Rizwan’s dismissal brought the crowd to their feet and reinvigorated India’s supporters.

3. Bumrah’s picked wicket of Travis Head

Travis Head’s resilient knock and partnership with Mitchell Marsh brought Australia within reach of India’s challenging target of 206 runs. Kuldeep Yadav broke this crucial partnership, but it was Bumrah’s dismissal of Head in the 17th over that was pivotal.

Bumrah, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a slower ball on the stumps. Head backed away and attempted a big swing but was completely deceived by the change in pace. The ball went high into the off side, where Rohit Sharma, positioned at covers, settled under the ball and took a pressure-filled catch. Head’s dismissal was a significant relief for the Indian camp, bringing them closer to victory. With Australia’s required run rate climbing, they needed 53 runs off the final 17 balls.

4. Aiden Markram’s superman-show

In the final over against England, Aiden Markram took a brilliant catch to dismiss the in-form Harry Brook, sealing the game for South Africa. Brook was looking in good touch against the Proteas as he helped stitch a crucial partnership with Liam Livingstone worth a 78-run stand in 42 balls to take England’s chase of 164 back on track. While Liam Livingstone was dismissed after a 17-ball 33, Brook looked to carry on and went past his half-century in relatively quick fashion and was looking to put an end to the chase.

During the final over of the chase, England needed 14 runs in the last six balls to win the match. Anrich Nortje was bowling the last over and Brook aired the very first delivery. Markram took a brilliant catch running back from mid-off. He had his eyes set on the ball as he was running back and looking over his right shoulder. He stretched fully and completed the catch to take the game away from England.

5. Axar Patel’s magic against Jos Buttler

In the semifinal between India and England, Axar Patel’s impressive delivery on the very first ball dismissed Jos Buttler, who attempted a reverse-sweep but misjudged the ball.

It was the first delivery of the fourth over and Axar Patel bowled it full on off. Jos Buttler had made his mind and went for a reverse-sweep but got into a bizarre position and the ball looped up in the air off the bottom of his blade behind the stumps. 

Rishabh Pant took an easy catch, giving India the breakthrough they needed. Patel’s dismissal of Buttler set the tone for India’s defense, leading to their competitive total of 171.