The year 2024 will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of Indian cricket fans. It's been a year of accomplishments and significant milestones for India. The Indian cricket team punched way above their weight and gave its fans countless memories to cherish. From winning the World Cup to scripting record-shattering performances, the year 2024 has been a year of domination from the Men in Blue.

As the year draws to a close, let's rewind the clock for a brief moment to revisit some of India's glorious cricketing moments from 2024. 

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T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean

Perhaps the most cherished memory of them all is India's emphatic T20 World Cup win in the West Indies. India remained unbeaten in all the games and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in one of the most unbelievable manner to defeat South Africa in the final. After narrowly missing out on the ODI World Cup last year, all that the Men in Blue were aspiring for was to bring the World Cup back home, and they did so with flying colours. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the player of the tournament and finished as the highest wicket-taker. He delivered a number of match-winning performances throughout the course of the tournament and will often be remembered for his performances against South Africa and Pakistan which India were destined to lose at one stage.

4-1 hammering to England at home

This series win will go into the record books as one of the most convincing Test series win for India. After crashing out in the first Test in Hyderabad, India staged a comeback from behind and went the next four Test matches to seal the series 4-1. India were up against a battle-hardened "Bazzball" inspired English team and turning the tide after a heavy defeat in Hyderabad was never going to be an easy affair. That series saw the birth of two superstars - Dhurv Jurel & Akash Deep. Jurel played a crucial innings on a turning track to see India home and help them clinch the series in the Ranchi Test. Akash Deep was an extraordinary find with the ball and delivered an inspiring performance on his debut to help India win the last Test of the series.

Record-breaking home series against Bangladesh

In this series, the Indian top-order batters put on an exhibition of brute force and insane hitting. The memories of the Kanpur Test fill the fans with unparalleled joy as India made a game out of it and even went on to win that match in less than two days. After restricting Bangladesh to 233, Indian openers went on a rampage and smashed the record for scoring the fastest team 50,100,150, 250 & 250 in Test cricket. It took them just a little over a session to post 285 runs. Bangladesh were weakened after sustaining such an onslaught and later capitulated for 146 in the second innings giving India a paltry target of 96 runs. More records were broken in the T20I series when India blasted their way to a record 297 posting the highest-ever T20I score of all-time by a full-member nation. 

A smashing 4-1 T20I series win against South Africa 

The bilateral T20I series between South Africa and India came to a dramatic close with India winning it handsomely by 4-1. A number of records were broken during the course of the fourth match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. From posting the highest total against South Africa (283) to an awe-inspiring partnership between Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, India had stung South Africa like never before. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma posted the highest-ever partnership of 210 runs for India for any wicket in T20Is. Besides, Samson in 2024 became the first player ever to score three T20I hundreds in a calendar year. In addition, Tilak Varma also hogged the limelight in that series and became the second Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is

India's massive 295-run win against Australia in Perth

India's record-breaking win in the Perth Test has been the only memory that has been worth cherishing in what has so far been a dismal Test series for India. Leading into the Border Gavaskar Trophy series (2024-25) after a demoralizing series whitewash against the Black Caps at home, this 295-run win gave India a tremendous lift at the start of the series. This was also one of their biggest win against Australia in Test cricket in terms of runs margin. India were without the services of their ace batter Rohit Sharma and the captaincy baton was passed on to Jaspirt Bumrah who had very limited experience in captaincy. After being bowled out for 150, Bumrah led the pace attack from the front and bagged a magnificent five-for to derail Australia for 104. Then Jaiswal and Rahul mounted a serious assault on the Aussie bowlers and on the back of a massive 201-run opening stand, India were able to set a near-impossible target of 534 runs and effectively bat Australia out of the game.

India’s cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement as the Men in Blue returned home victorious from the T20 World Cup. Adding to the jubilation, team Indian wear a special jersey designed to commemorate this monumental achievement. This new jersey not only marks their recent victory but also bridges a glorious past with a promising future.

India’s journey to the Title

The road to the T20 World Cup final was nothing short of spectacular. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, showcased exceptional skill and determination. Key moments included breathtaking performances from Suryakumar Yadav and decisive captaincy from Rohit Sharma. Each match was a testament to the team’s perseverance and strategy, culminating in a thrilling final against South Africa.

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The Homecoming

The victorious squad’s return to India were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The team arrived at New Delhi airport on a specially-arranged charter flight, greeted by thousands of jubilant fans.

As the team emerged from the arrivals area, they were met with deafening cheers and chants of “India, India.” The players, adorned with their gold medals, waved and smiled at the adoring crowd. The airport scene was a vibrant mix of national pride and personal joy as fans celebrated their champions.

Unveiling the Special Jersey

In the midst of this celebration, Sanju Samson shared the first glimpse of a special jersey on Instagram. This new jersey features a significant update: a second star above the BCCI logo, symbolizing India’s second T20 World Cup win. The word “champions” is boldly emblazoned across the front, serving as a proud reminder of their hard-fought victory.

Significance of the second star

The addition of the second star is deeply symbolic. It pays homage to India’s first T20 World Cup triumph under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007. This design choice connects the past and present, reflecting a legacy of triumph and resilience. It’s a nod to the journey the team has undergone and the milestones they’ve achieved along the way.

Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

After their grand welcome, the team headed to the ITC Maurya Hotel for a brief rest. Special arrangements had been made to ensure their comfort and to prepare them for their next big event: a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Post the meeting, the team was scheduled to board a special flight to Mumbai. Their arrival in Mumbai was eagerly anticipated, with fans ready to continue the celebrations.

Victory parade in Mumbai

In Mumbai, the BCCI had organized a 1 km victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium. This parade was expected to draw massive crowds, eager to celebrate their cricketing idols. The route was lined with fans, ready to cheer and applaud the champions.

The celebrations would culminate in a grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium. The event included felicitation of the players and support staff, speeches, and a display of the T20 World Cup trophy. It was a fitting end to a day of celebrations.