No Indian player in 2024 ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year

The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 highlights a blend of breakout stars and seasoned performers who dominated the cricketing stage with their exceptional skills and remarkable consistency. The team, unveiled by the International Cricket Council (ICC), represents a balanced combination of star power and versatility, celebrating the finest talents in one-day international cricket.

Notably, the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 does not feature any Indian players, marking a rare instance in recent years where no cricketer from the cricketing powerhouse made the cut. This omission highlights the extraordinary performances of players from other nations who dominated the year with their consistency and impact.

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub had an unforgettable debut year. Despite stepping onto the international stage in November, the 21-year-old left an indelible mark with 515 runs at an impressive average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.53. Saim’s performances included three centuries in five innings, with standout innings in South Africa and Zimbabwe, earning him a well-deserved spot at the top of the order.

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz continued his exceptional run, finishing the year with 531 runs at an average of 48.2. With three centuries against opponents like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Ireland, Gurbaz solidified his reputation as a fearless opener who thrives under pressure.

Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka delivered one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, amassing 694 runs, including a monumental unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan, the sixth-highest score by an opener in ODI history. Nissanka’s consistent contributions made him the second-highest run-scorer of 2024.
Leading the charts, his teammate Kusal Mendis emerged as the year’s most prolific batter, accumulating 742 runs with a century and six half-centuries. Mendis’ consistency as a batter and wicketkeeper set the benchmark for the year.

Another Sri Lankan standout, Charith Asalanka, displayed his all-round prowess with 605 runs and crucial wickets, including game-changing performances against India. His four half-centuries, two of which were in the 90s, underscored his reliability as a middle-order stalwart.

Sherfane Rutherford of the West Indies had a debut year to remember, scoring 425 runs at an extraordinary average of 106.2 and a strike rate of 120.1. His five consecutive 50-plus scores showcased his potential as a middle-order game-changer.

Azmatullah Omarzai proved his mettle as a true all-rounder, contributing 417 runs and 17 wickets. His exceptional performance against Bangladesh, where he claimed 4/37 and scored an unbeaten 70, was a season highlight.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s leg-spinning sensation, delivered with the ball, taking 26 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 15.6. His 7/19 against Zimbabwe stood out as one of the best bowling performances in ODI history.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf continued to dominate with the ball. Afridi, despite playing only six matches, picked up 15 wickets at an average of 17.6, including a 4/47 haul. Rauf, on the other hand, claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, with a fiery five-wicket performance against Australia in Adelaide proving pivotal in Pakistan’s series win.

Eighteen-year-old AM Ghazanfar announced himself on the world stage, taking 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of just 13.57. With two five-wicket hauls, including a career-best 6/26 against Bangladesh, Ghazanfar is already being hailed as a future star.