India’s cricket team ended a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. This victory made India only the third team after the West Indies and England to win two titles in men’s T20 World Cup history. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India had a perfect campaign, finishing unbeaten and showcasing their dominance on the world stage.

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India’s journey through the T20 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The team won every match leading up to the final, displaying a blend of tactical brilliance, skill, and resilience. Key victories against top teams set the tone for their successful campaign, culminating in the final against South Africa.

Top 5 captains of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma led India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy. His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his team were key factors in India’s unbeaten run.

Rohit took over India’s captaincy in the shortest format after the underwhelming outing from the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup. In his first outing as captain in T20 World Cup, Rohit had led the team to the semifinal in Australia two years back. It was a campaign that ended with a comprehensive defeat against England.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership was instrumental in India’s triumph. Rohit led with a calm demeanor and strategic acumen. His ability to inspire the team and make crucial decisions under pressure was evident throughout the tournament. Rohit’s record as a captain is impressive, with 50 wins from 62 T20I matches, including the World Cup final.

2. Adien Markram

Markram’s leadership saw South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup final in men’s cricket. His calm demeanor and strategic acumen were instrumental in their campaign.

Adien Markram’s captaincy was pivotal to South Africa’s success in the tournament. His leadership style, characterized by calmness and strategic thinking, helped the team navigate challenging situations. Markram’s own performances with the bat and in the field were crucial, as he led from the front and inspired confidence in his teammates.

South Africa had a commendable campaign, reaching the final after several impressive performances. The team showed resilience and skill, particularly in the knockout stages.

As a captain, Markram’s record is stellar. It goes back before the eight wins at T20 World Cup 2024, two wins in as many starts as skipper in the absence of injured Temba Bavuma at ODI World Cup 2023, having also gone six from six 10 years ago as the Proteas won the 2014 edition of the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal, showcasing resilience and skill. His performances with the ball and as a leader were exceptional.

Afghanistan’s journey to the semifinals was one of the tournament’s highlights. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, the team defeated top-ranked sides, including New Zealand and Australia. Afghanistan’s rise in cricket has been remarkable, and their performance in this World Cup was a testament to their growth and potential.

4. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s England reached the semifinals, where they were outplayed by India. Despite the loss, Buttler’s leadership and England’s journey were noteworthy.

England’s campaign in the T20 World Cup had its ups and downs. After a shaky start, the team found their rhythm and made it to the semifinals. However, India outplayed them in the crucial match. Jos Buttler’s leadership was commendable, and England’s journey was filled with valuable lessons and experiences.

5. Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell’s West Indies had a mixed campaign, starting strong but faltering in key matches. Powell’s leadership helped the team progress, but they ultimately missed out on the semifinals.

The West Indies, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024, had a promising start but faltered in key matches. Under Rovman Powell’s captaincy, the team showed glimpses of their potential but ultimately missed out on a semifinal berth. Powell’s leadership saw the team make progress, but there were areas that needed improvement.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be an electrifying event, bringing together the world’s best cricket teams for a high-octane tournament. This year, the United States of America and the West Indies will jointly host the competition starting on June 2, 2024. The West Indies, known for their powerful and competitive cricket, will be led by Rovman Powell to reclaim their glory on the world stage.

West Indies Team Overview

The West Indies have a storied history in T20 World Cups, having won the tournament twice in 2012 and 2016. However, their recent performances have been less stellar, with early exits in the last two editions. Despite this, the team maintains a win percentage of 51.42% in international T20 cricket, underscoring their competitive edge.

Group C Composition

The West Indies are placed in Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in this tournament. Each team presents unique challenges, but the West Indies’ blend of experience and explosive talent positions them as strong contenders to advance to the knockout stages.

See Also: Who is Harmeet Singh, match winner for USA against Bangladesh?

SWOT Analysis of the West Indies Cricket Team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Strengths

The squad includes seasoned cricketers like Andre Russell, Jason Holder, and Nicholas Pooran. These players bring valuable experience and match-winning capabilities, having played in various international and domestic T20 leagues. Including explosive batters like Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell adds depth and firepower to the batting unit, which is crucial for the high-scoring nature of T20 cricket.

The team boasts versatile all-rounders such as Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, who can contribute with the bat and ball, providing balance and flexibility in the playing XI.

The squad has a potent mix of fast bowlers like Alzarri Joseph and emerging talents like Shamar Joseph. Spin options like Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie add variety to the attack. With Rovman Powell as captain and Alzarri Joseph as his deputy, the team has a strong leadership duo capable of making strategic decisions on the field.

Weaknesses

The West Indies have had underwhelming performances in the last two T20 World Cups and failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. This could affect team morale and confidence. Key players like Shimron Hetmyer must be more consistent in their performances. They have had issues such as missing key matches and raising concerns about reliability.

Including relatively inexperienced players like Shamar Joseph, who has yet to make his international T20 debut, might pressure the team if they fail to adapt quickly to high-pressure situations. Players like Brandon King, recovering from a knee injury, could be at risk if they do not regain full fitness by the tournament.

Opportunities

Being in Group C with teams like Papua New Guinea, Uganda, and Afghanistan, the West Indies can advance to the knockout stages if they play to their potential. Hosting the tournament partially at home can provide a significant advantage, with familiar conditions and home crowd support boosting the team’s performance.

Young talents like Shamar Joseph have the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the world stage, potentially adding new dimensions to the team’s performance. The preparatory camp in Antigua and the series against South Africa offer the team a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before the World Cup.

Threats

With statements from selectors about the squad being capable of winning the World Cup, the pressure and expectations are high, which can be detrimental if not managed well. Facing strong teams like New Zealand in the group stage poses a significant challenge. Any slip-ups could jeopardize their chances of advancing further.

Dependency on the availability of players currently engaged in the IPL could be a threat if injuries or fatigue from the IPL season impact their World Cup performances. The high-octane nature of T20 cricket often brings intense pressure. The West Indies must handle crunch situations better, especially given their recent history of faltering in key matches.

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup

Rovman Powell (capt), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford

Sunil Narine, the talented cricketer from the West Indies, recently expressed his certainty about watching the upcoming T20 World Cup “from home.” However, after his impressive performance against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for seeing him back in international cricket once again.

“It is what it is but we will have to see what the future holds”

Narine told the broadcaster in a sideline chat after his hundred. In a remarkable display of skill, Narine scored a century off just 49 balls, catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Speaking to Harsha Bhogle after his outstanding innings, Narine hinted at the possibility of returning to international cricket, sparking excitement among fans.

Adding to the speculation, West Indies captain Rovman Powell, who faced Narine’s onslaught during the match against Rajasthan Royals, revealed that he has been actively trying to convince Narine to come out of retirement.

He said, “For the last 12 months, I have been whispering in his ears,” Powell said of Narine, “but he’s blocked out everyone.”

“I’ve asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his skull.”

Powell wants to see Narine

Powell’s efforts indicate a strong desire within the cricketing community to see Narine back on the international stage, showcasing his talents and contributing to his team’s success.

As discussions and speculations continue, cricket fans eagerly await further developments regarding Narine’s potential comeback to international cricket. If successful, it would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for both Narine and cricket enthusiasts around the world.

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Sunil Narine’s last appearance for the West Indies dates back to August 2019. However, in November 2023, he surprised fans by announcing his retirement from international cricket. At that time, Narine expressed his intention to focus on playing in franchise cricket, suggesting that his days representing his country were behind him. This decision disappointed many fans who had hoped to see him continue to don the maroon jersey, but Narine seemed determined to pursue a different path in his cricketing career.

The inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, would aim for their second title, as they have made a well-balanced squad of power hitters and bowlers who can take the game deeper. Under the leadership of wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson, the team is all set to display their top-notch cricketing calibre and aim for the high. With the team retaining most of the squad, the Royals management has made sensible picks to bolster the middle-order batters and the pacers department. Here are the top four players from the Men in Pink squad to check out. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has proved to be the epitome of the Indian cricket team’s rising future. Jaiswal is touted as the next big thing in the cricketing fraternity with his stellar left-hand batting performance. With a shaky start in his IPL stint, the Rajasthan Royals franchise remained confident in his abilities. It retained him ahead of the big auction, making him the second youngest player.

Jaiswal’s form improved in the following years, and he scored many runs on the domestic circuit, where he had the 5th highest run score (625 Runs in 14 Matches) of the previous edition. And not to forget his memorable debut for the Indian squad, where his IPL performance gave him the kickstart.

Dhruv Jurel

Came into the limelight as an Impact Player, Dhruv Jurel’s calibre has been the talking point amongst the cricket fanatics in the previous edition. Dhruv knows no limitations, is employed as a finisher, and has thrived in this capacity. He has 152 runs scored and a strike rate of over 170 in 11 innings of batting.

Numbers only tell part of the story since making an impact as a finisher is one of the most challenging challenges in limited-overs cricket. His potential is terrific, and he is one of the most impactful players in this year’s IPL. 

See also: IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of Rajasthan Royals

Rovman Powell

The inaugural edition champions have acquired the services of Rovman Powell, a hard-hitting batsman from West Indies, for INR 7.4 crore. The Caribbean will provide a lot of diversity to RR’s hitting lineup. Notably, he has been a prominent player in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), making critical contributions to his clubs & giving him a window of opportunities.

The 30-year-old has been a part of the IPL since 2022, where he played 17 games and accumulated 257 runs, including a fifty. However, the star signing is looking forward to putting out his best this time as a role of power-hitter.

Nandre Burger 

After making his debut last year, Nandre Burger began to feel at ease in international cricket. Since then, he has wowed the cricket fraternity by demonstrating his ability to swing the ball, making him an effective bowling weapon. While the 28-year-old is not a household name, he does have the necessary talents and ingredients to achieve quickly.

The Rajasthan Royals are excited to discover the latent potential of South African internationals, where the left-arm speedster can threaten batters in seam-friendly circumstances and is undoubtedly one of the pacers to watch in the upcoming season and have bid him for his base price of INR 50 lakh during the auction.

There are times that define a team’s toughness and resilience in the ever-changing world of cricket, where successes and failures overlap. When confronted with the weight of two straight losses, concerns and doubts surfaced, but the Indian team emerged out of their shadows and in a display of sheer dominance, emerged victorious over the West Indies. The Indian team came onto the pitch with fresh zeal, with their hearts focused on redemption and to provide a spirited comeback.

There were a few standout performances from both the teams, be it Rovman Powell’s quick fiery knock or Tilak Varma’s wonderfully paced innings. But the spell that Kuldeep Yadav produced, and the Whirlwind knock of Surya Kumar Yadav were instrumental in India comfortably chasing down the total of 160, which was tough given the circumstance of the pitch.

So, in this article, we will be going through the pitch map of Kuldeep Yadav and the wagon wheel data of Suryakumar Yadav to delve into a more comprehensive analysis of their performances.

To give a short description on the pitch map, the red dots denote the wickets, the blue dots denote runs between the wickets, the purple dots denote the dots, and the green dots denote the boundaries conceded.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Mastery

Also read: Match Analysis: West Indies’ narrow win against India in the 2nd T20I – Cricket Winner

The return of Kuldeep Yadav bolstered the Indian bowling attack. He started of his spell by conceding 12 runs in the first over, He tried a to go slightly short against the left-handed Mayers but got punished. His impact arrived in the 2nd over when he started bowling a bit fuller and kept things tight, which ultimately led to the dismissal of Charles. He tried similar lengths against Pooran but erred in his lines, ultimately giving away 13 runs in the following over.

The larger impact came in his last over where he dismissed both Pooran and Brandon King, by smartly shortening his length against Pooran, as seen in the pitch map. He also kept mixing up his variations well, conceding a strike rate of just 87.5 against googly (8 deliveries) and accounted for 2 wickets, while he conceded a strike rate of 132 against classical leg spin (16 deliveries) and accounted for a singular wicket.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Brilliance

Requiring a significant innings to overcome his challenges, Suryakumar Yadav delivered just that against the West Indies. In his first 2 balls, he made his presence felt by whipping two deliveries for consecutive boundaries, thus making his intent clear. He had a fantastic strike rate of 243 in his first 7 deliveries and provided a much-needed momentum for India after the loss of their openers.

He took his time in the next 7 deliveries due to the spinners coming in early but once again, began his spree of boundaries after having settled in his first 15 deliveries. The best part of a Suryakumar Yadav inning is that, even if he consumes a few dot deliveries, he will immediately compensate it with a few boundaries to keep up with the run rate. This is clearly seen in his marginally high dot percentage value, but it is backed with a very low balls per boundary value.

His wagon wheel statistics are well-distributed across various regions, which clearly demonstrates his capability to play around the field. His dominant region has been the square leg region, with 28 percent of his total runs scored in that region. But his ability to play into the gaps helped him score equally across the offside with 33 percent of his runs coming between the backward point and the long off region.

On a dry and a two paced pitch, it is tricky to hit across the line, but Surya managed that with ease by dominating the leg side field. He scored close to 60 percent his runs solely in the leg side, with 46 percent of them coming just between the fine leg and square leg region.

Although there was a slight wait for Suryakumar Yadav to make his comeback, he certainly did so in a captivating fashion.

IPL 2022: Umpiring issues are a common aspect in any game of cricket. The IPL alone has seen many famous umpiring controversies with some resulting in the captain walking out as was the case with MS Dhoni in 2019. In IPL 2022, despite the presence of DRS, there has been some controversy regarding factors such as the wide ball and no-ball calls along with technical issues on a few occasions leading to some angry moments for the cricketers during IPL 2022

Marcus Stoinis vs RCB

Marcus Stoinis was in the middle of a heated run-chase, looking to take the game deep as he was running out of partners at the other end. Facing Josh Hazlewood in the 19^th over, Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder had an equation of 34 off twelve balls ahead of them.

In an attempt to stop Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood bowled a wider lined which went past the tramline. Marcus Stoinis did shuffle across but the decision to not call a wide seemed marginal and a smiling Stoinis was clearly annoyed. He asked the umpire how that was not a wide, saying it looked far, but to no avail and concealed his frustration with a smile. The very next ball, Stoinis shuffled across to counter Hazlewood’s line and edge the ball on to the stumps.

As soon as the ball hit the stumps Marcus Stoinis vented his frustration and walked out in anger. He clearly upset with the decision and considering the stage of the match he wasn’t able to hold back as he walked off shouting in anger.

Rovman Powell and Rishabh Pant vs DC

While Marcus Stoinis’s wide call was a marginal one which saw the situation diffuse rather quickly, the incident in the game between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals saw a little more drama. With 36 to win off six balls, Rovmann Powell started his pursuit with three sixes and made it seem like the unthinkable would be possible.

He cleared the fence twice and the pressure was on Obed McCoy as he was struggling to contain Powell. On the third ball, McCoy bowled a full-toss, which to his misfortune was hit for another massive six. Following the six though, there was a question regarding the height of the full-toss as Powell started asking for a no-ball. With the umpire not obliging, Rishabh Pant got into the matter and started signaling for his players to comeback to the dug-out. To add on, Rishabh Pant also sent one of the coaches Pravin Amre to discuss what was going on with the umpire.

In the end, the decision stood, no no-ball was given and the game continued. The momentum though was gone and Rovman Powell faced a dot the very next ball to end the game, giving Royals a tight win in IPL 2022.

See Also: Kolkata wins again by a massive 54 runs, riding on Russel’s attacks! – Cricket Winner

Devon Conway vs MI

The Mumbai Indians came into this game eliminated from playoff contention and had CSK, who were still in with a small chance of qualifying for the playoffs of IPL 2022. With a small hope for qualifying in IPL 2022, CSK walked out to bat after losing the toss in the hope of making scoring big and defending well.

The openers were in decent form as well, but technical difficulties made things difficult for the Chennai Super Kings. Due to technical issues, DRS was not available for the first few overs and that was enough to hurt the Chennai Super Kings. In the second ball of the first over, Devon Conway was given out LBW to a delivery that seemed like it could slide down the leg-side.

It looked quite debatable and with the absence of DRS, Conway could do nothing but walk off. The wicket turned out to be the killing blow for the Chennai Super Kings as they failed to recover from the early loss of their in-form batter. They kept losing wickets, and collapsed within the powerplay, before a recovery from MS Dhoni took them to 97. The target though was not enough as CSK lost and had their hopes of a playoff spot in IPL 2022 ended.