 |
|
The year 2024 witnessed a remarkable display of batting prowess from Indian cricketers in Test matches. Dominating the scene was Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose exceptional performance secured him the top spot among India's highest run-scorers. His incredible tally of 1478 runs in 15 Tests, averaging a remarkable 54.74, is a testament to his consistent brilliance throughout the year. This achievement not only secured his position as India's leading run-scorer but also placed him second globally, a feat that narrowly missed eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most Test runs by an Indian in a calendar year. Jaiswal's contributions extended beyond mere statistics. His back-to-back double centuries during a home series against England marked a historic moment in Indian cricket, making him only the third Indian batter after Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli to achieve this extraordinary feat in consecutive Test matches. Furthermore, his display of aggressive stroke play culminated in him equaling the world record for the most sixes in a Test innings—a staggering 12 maximums in a single game. His remarkable 161 in the second innings of the Perth Test solidified his status as a rising star, and he capped off his year with strong performances in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scoring 82 and 84 runs, underscoring his consistent ability to deliver under pressure.
Following closely behind Jaiswal was Shubman Gill, another key player whose contributions were integral to India's success. Gill accumulated 866 runs in 12 Tests, with a commendable average of 43.30. His highest score of 119* highlights his ability to remain composed and build partnerships under challenging circumstances. His three centuries and three fifties in 2024 further underscore his importance to the Indian batting line-up. Gill played a pivotal role in India's resounding 4-1 series victory against England, scoring centuries in the second and third Tests, solidifying his position as a reliable cornerstone of the team. He further contributed with a crucial unbeaten 119 in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, paving the way for India to set a formidable target. Gill's consistency throughout the year, coupled with his ability to step up in high-pressure situations, marked him as a significant contributor to India's success in Test cricket in 2024.
The third spot on the leaderboard was occupied by the experienced captain, Rohit Sharma. Although his average of 24.76 was relatively lower compared to Jaiswal and Gill, his total of 619 runs across 14 Tests shows his persistent contribution to the team's overall performance. His highest score of 131 reflects his ability to score quickly and powerfully, an important asset in Test matches. His consistent presence in the Indian batting order reflects his leadership role and experience, which serves as a steady influence on the younger players in the team. Rishabh Pant, a dynamic and explosive keeper-batter, followed in fourth position with 576 runs in 9 Tests, boasting a commendable average of 36. His one century and three fifties demonstrate his significant potential and ability to alter the course of a match with quickfire innings. Rounding off the top five was Ravindra Jadeja, a key all-rounder, whose contribution of 527 runs in 12 Tests showcases his indispensable value to the team. His ability to score runs while also taking crucial wickets made him a consistently important player throughout 2024. His average of 29.27 and one century and three half-centuries reflect his all-round capabilities and contribution to India's victories.
The performance of these five players highlights the depth and strength of the Indian batting line-up in 2024. While Jaiswal's exceptional run-scoring undoubtedly dominated the year, the consistent performances of Gill, Sharma, Pant, and Jadeja ensured India maintained a strong and versatile batting order throughout the year. The collective efforts of these batsmen were crucial to India's success in Test cricket during 2024, cementing their places as key figures in the Indian national team. The future looks bright for Indian Test cricket, with a promising young talent like Jaiswal alongside the experienced and consistent contributions of players like Gill, Sharma, Pant, and Jadeja laying a strong foundation for future success.
Source: India's highest run-scorers in Test cricket in 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal leads with consistent form