T20I was the flavor of the year in international cricket as many 20-over contests were held between top teams. There was also the huge T20 World Cup 2024, which India won in a thrilling final against South Africa.

There were several notable performances throughout the year, with some well-known names once again stealing the spotlight. Some players left a massive impact and exceeded expectations, from hitters to pitchers.

We formed the men’s T20I team of the year, looking at the best in the format.

Openers: Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson

Rohit Sharma: Apart from successfully leading India in the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma also had a fruitful career with the willow in T20Is. He scored 378 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 160.16 in 11 innings, including three fifties and one century. His vital contributions in the big matches of the T20 World Cup make him an ideal candidate to fill the top spot. Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson was a revelation in T20Is this year, and once he got the top spot, there was no stopping him. Opening the innings, he amassed 366 runs at an average of 52.28 and a strike rate of 197.83 in eight outings. Furthermore, he also scored three centuries, the most this year.

Middle order: Travis Head and Jos Buttler

Travis Head: Travis Head was another of the best players with the willow this year, scoring runs consistently. He scored 539 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 178.47 in 15 innings, including four fifties. He was Australia’s leading run-scorer in the format, scoring 150 more than next best Glenn Maxwell (389). Jos Buttler: Despite battling injuries, Jos Buttler was among the best in T20Is. He scored 462 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 164.41 in 13 T20I innings, comprising three fifties. He was England’s second-highest scorer and led them to the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

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All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Marcus Stoinis, Hardik Pandya and Sikandar Raza

Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone was among the best all-rounders of the year in the shortest format, contributing heavily with both bat and ball. He scored 264 runs at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 154.38 in ten innings with the willow. Additionally, he took 14 wickets at 16.28 runs apiece in 12 innings. Marcus Stoinis: One of the best all-rounders this year, Marcus Stoinis was phenomenal with bat and ball in the shortest format. He scored 330 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 156.39 in 14 outings. Stoinis also snared 21 wickets at a brilliant average of 17 and a strike rate of 11.61 in 15 innings. Hardik Pandya: Hardik Pandya’s improved reach and ability to bowl difficult overs were the most notable aspects of his game. He scored 352 runs at a massive strike rate of 150.42. Pandya also dismissed 16 batsmen with the ball for 26.25 runs each and played a crucial role in India’s impeccable performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Sikandar Raza: Generally, players from lower-ranked teams do not find a place in the team of the year, but Sikandar Raza’s numbers are too tempting to ignore. He scored 573 runs at an average of 28.65 and a strike rate of 146.54 in 23 innings, including two fifties and a century. Furthermore, he also snared 24 wickets at an average of 22.25 and a strike rate of 20.45 in 23 innings this year.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah

Rashid Khan: Rashid Khan was literally unplayable this year and his numbers in the shortest format are astonishing. He took 31 wickets at a staggering average of 9.58 and a strike rate of 10.25 in 14 innings. Rashid also had four four-wicket hauls, with a best of 4/14, and was vital in Afghanistan’s immense success in the T20 World Cup. Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh was the second leading wicket-taker among the top ten T20I teams. He grabbed 36 wickets at an average of 13.50 and a strike rate of 10.80 in 18 outings this year. Arshdeep also took a four-wicket haul and bowled exceptionally well in the T20 World Cup 2024. Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah didn’t play too many games in the format, but his all-time great performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 is enough. include it in this list. He has 15 wickets at 8.26 runs apiece and conceded just 4.17 per over. Bumrah won the Player of the Tournament award and was the main reason behind India’s victory.

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