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The announcement of the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024 sent ripples through the cricketing world, primarily due to a significant omission: the complete absence of any Indian players. This surprising development underscores the impact of India's limited international ODI commitments in 2024. While other cricketing nations engaged in extensive ODI series, India participated in only three matches against Sri Lanka – a series in which they lost two and tied one. This severely limited their opportunities to showcase their talent on the international stage, thereby precluding them from contention for a place in the prestigious all-star team.
The team selection instead highlighted the strong performances of several players from other nations. Sri Lanka's dominance was undeniable, with four of their players securing spots: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Asalanka's impressive performance, amassing 605 runs at an average of 50.2 across 16 ODIs, including four fifties and a century, cemented his place not only in the team but also as its captain. This reflects Sri Lanka's remarkable ODI campaign in 2024, where they played the most matches (18) and won a significant number (12). Their consistent victories and individual performances clearly impressed the selectors.
Pakistan and Afghanistan also contributed strongly to the team composition, with three players each selected. Pakistan's representation includes the renowned fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, alongside Saim Ayub, demonstrating the team’s potent pace attack and batting talent. Afghanistan's inclusion of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and AM Ghazanfar showcases the rising strength of their ODI team, highlighting their consistent performances and emerging talent. Their eight wins from 14 ODIs are a testament to their growing competitiveness on the global stage.
The only non-Asian player in the selected eleven was West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. With 425 runs from just nine games at a staggering average of 106.2, Rutherford's inclusion underlines his explosive batting style and significant impact within a limited number of matches. His presence in the team demonstrates the global nature of the ODI format and the recognition of exceptional individual talent, irrespective of geographical location. His inclusion also hints at the potential shift in the cricketing landscape, with new talents emerging and making substantial impacts.
The absence of Indian players from the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent international participation in achieving recognition at the highest level. While India's cricketing talent is undeniably immense, their limited engagement in the ODI format in 2024 cost them a place in this prestigious team. This situation underscores the need for strategic planning and scheduling of international matches to ensure that the nation's best players have ample opportunities to showcase their skills on the world stage and to remain competitive in global rankings. The selection further highlights the evolving dynamics of international cricket, with several nations showcasing remarkable strength and competitiveness.
The 2024 ICC ODI team selection provides a valuable insight into current cricketing trends and the rising prowess of several cricketing nations. It serves as a benchmark for other teams and highlights the need for consistent high-level performances to gain global recognition. The absence of India, a cricketing giant, serves as a wake-up call, underscoring the necessity of strategic planning and consistent international participation to remain at the forefront of the cricketing world. The impressive displays of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan showcase the evolving dynamics of ODI cricket and serve as a powerful indication of the exciting future that awaits the format.
Source: ICC men's ODI Team of the Year: No Indian cricketer included