The landscape of T20 cricket in 2024 has been nothing short of revolutionary, with new heroes rising and some established stars like Virat Kohli facing stiff competition for a spot in the best XI. This year has been marked by exceptional performances from players who have either confirmed their status as the best or have emerged as new powerhouses in this fast-paced format.
Openers
Travis Head has been a revelation with the bat, scoring 539 runs in just 15 innings at a strike rate of 178.47. His aggressive approach has set a high tempo for the innings, overshadowing even the likes of Kohli in terms of impact and consistency.
Rohit Sharma, leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup on June 29, scored 378 runs in 11 innings. His captaincy and batting prowess have arguably been more influential than Virat Kohli’s contributions this year, leading his team to glory without the reliance on Kohli’s usual heroics.
Middle Order
Sanju Samson has had a stellar year, amassing 436 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 180.16. His performances have been crucial in matches where Kohli might have historically stepped up, but Samson has filled those shoes admirably.
Suryakumar Yadav, SKY often known for his 360-degree playing style, scored 429 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 151.59. His ability to maneuver the ball around the park has been a spectacle, somewhat eclipsing Kohli’s traditional approach in this format.
The Lower Middle Order
Nicholas Pooran as the wicket-keeper batsman, has notched up 464 runs in 20 innings, providing a dynamic end to the batting line-up. This year, Pooran has been the finisher that teams might have once hoped Kohli would be in T20s.
Hardik Pandya has continued to be the all-round package, scoring 352 runs and taking wickets when needed. His presence has been vital, especially in scenarios where one might expect Kohli to take charge.
Spinning and Pacing Through
Wanindu Hasaranga has been a master with the ball, securing 34 wickets in 18 innings. His control and variety have been key, in a year where Virat Kohli’s bowling contributions are, of course, not a factor.
Shaheen Afridi has been lethal, taking 36 wickets in 23 innings, proving that the year belonged to bowlers who could make significant impacts, unlike the traditionally batting-focused Virat Kohli.
Arshdeep Singh matched Afridi’s tally with 36 wickets in 18 innings, showing that there’s more to T20 cricket than just batting, where Virat Kohli has often been the focus.
Jasprit Bumrah, despite fewer wickets (15 in 2024), was the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup 2024, showing how quality can outweigh quantity, even in the shadow of expectations set by players like Virat Kohli.
Adam Zampa rounded off the bowling attack with 35 wickets in 21 innings, providing the spin that has been crucial in matches where Virat Kohli’s influence in the field might have been missed.
Reflections on Virat Kohli’s Absence
Virat Kohli’s exclusion from the best T20 XI of 2024 is not a dismissal of his talent or legacy but a reflection of how the game has evolved. This year, the format has seen players stepping up with such consistency and flair that even someone of Kohli’s stature couldn’t secure a spot. It’s a testament to the depth and competition in modern T20 cricket, where every game counts, and every player has the chance to outshine even the legends like Virat Kohli.
The 2024 T20 XI is a showcase of not just skill but also adaptability and innovation. While Virat Kohli remains one of the finest cricketers, his absence from this list underscores a changing guard in T20 cricket. This year has been about recognizing those who have seized their moments, making cricket a more unpredictable and exciting sport. As we move forward, one can only wonder what new surprises await in the world of T20 cricket, with or without the likes of Virat Kohli.
