
The much-anticipated announcement of the ICC ODI Team of the Year for 2024 has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, with one of the most striking details being the omission of any Indian cricketers from the prestigious lineup. This decision comes as a surprise, particularly considering India’s impressive runner-up finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Indian team’s strong performances throughout the year, including some stellar individual contributions, made their absence from the squad even more puzzling.
This year’s selection also includes several surprising elements, most notably the appointment of Sri Lankan cricketer Charith Asalanka as the captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year. While Asalanka’s talent has been widely recognized, especially for his performances in the recent years, his selection as captain has sparked debate. His leadership abilities, combined with his outstanding individual performances in 2024, earned him the top spot in a team that is largely dominated by players from Asian nations.
A Surprising Omission:
No Indian in the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024
India’s absence from the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 has surprised many. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, finished as the runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and their performances in bilateral series and other ICC tournaments were nothing short of impressive. Despite strong individual performances from the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya, none of these players were included in the team.
Virat Kohli, who has been in sensational form across formats, was expected to feature in the squad. His consistency and ability to perform on big occasions make him one of the best ODI players of all time. Similarly, Shubman Gill’s meteoric rise and his brilliant performances in the World Cup and other series had many speculating about his inclusion. However, despite these performances, no Indian cricketer made the cut for the ICC ODI Team of the Year, leaving fans and experts alike baffled.
Charith Asalanka: The Surprising Choice for Captain
Another key feature of the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 is the appointment of Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka as the captain. While Asalanka has been a solid performer for Sri Lanka over the last few years, leading his team to several notable victories, his selection as captain has raised a few eyebrows. The fact that the squad includes players from multiple top cricketing nations, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, means the captaincy role could have easily gone to a player from one of those nations.
However, Asalanka’s leadership qualities, combined with his outstanding individual performances in 2024, earned him the nod. His maturity and the calmness with which he handles pressure situations are some of the traits that have helped him lead Sri Lanka with distinction. In the 2024 calendar year, Asalanka was instrumental in several of Sri Lanka’s victories, and his presence in the ODI Team of the Year is well-deserved.
The Majority of Asian Players in the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024
In an interesting trend, the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 features 10 players from Asian nations, underlining the dominance of Asian cricket in the format. Players from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka make up the bulk of the team. This highlights the strength of these countries in the 50-over format, particularly as they continue to produce world-class players who are making a significant impact on the global stage.
One of the standout players in the team is Shaheen Shah Afridi from Pakistan. Afridi has been a crucial part of Pakistan’s bowling attack, delivering match-winning performances throughout 2024. His ability to bowl with pace, swing, and accuracy in challenging conditions has earned him widespread praise. Alongside Afridi, Haris Rauf, another Pakistani pacer, has also been in excellent form, contributing significantly with the ball in ODIs.
From Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai were selected for their consistent performances throughout the year. Gurbaz, a hard-hitting opening batter, has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s top order, while Omarzai’s all-round skills with the bat and ball have made him one of the standout performers for his country.
Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka is another key player in the squad. As one of the top spinners in world cricket, Hasaranga’s ability to turn the ball and take crucial wickets in the middle overs has made him a valuable asset to Sri Lanka. His performances in 2024 were integral to Sri Lanka’s success in the ODI format.
Sherfane Rutherford: The Sole Non-Asian Player
The inclusion of Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies is another unexpected feature of the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024. Rutherford’s dynamic performances in the 2024 season have earned him recognition, and his presence in the team is a nod to the West Indies’ contributions to world cricket. As the sole non-Asian player in the squad, Rutherford’s selection highlights his impressive batting and fielding abilities, which have made him a standout performer in the 50-over format.
ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024: Full Lineup
Here is the full squad for the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024:
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – Captain
Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper, Sri Lanka)
Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
Conclusion: A Surprising and Unconventional Selection
The ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a surprising and unconventional one, with no Indian cricketers included in the squad. While India’s strong performances throughout the year, including their runner-up finish in the ODI World Cup, made their exclusion puzzling, the team highlights the rise of players from smaller cricketing nations like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Charith Asalanka’s captaincy, combined with the stellar performances of players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has made this year’s team one of the most interesting in recent memory.
This selection may spark debates, but it also serves as a reminder of the increasing competitiveness and talent across the cricketing world. As Asian players continue to dominate the 50-over format, the future of ODI cricket looks brighter than ever.
Discover more from Aakasavani News & Entertainment
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.