India Cricket Team have ended 2023 on a disappointing note with an innings and 32-run loss to South Africa in the SA vs IND Test series. But that’s not the only disappointment of 2023. The lost World Cup final will hurt perhaps longer apart from another lost WTC Final. But it’s time for 2024 and India have another ICC trophy to fight for in T20 World Cup 2024.
In a packed 2024 calendar, there is nothing more important than T20 World Cup 2024. But before that, India have a five-match Test series against England to win. Apart from on-field performances, India Cricket could also see a change in backroom staff with Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending in July.
Thus, InsideSport takes a look at India Cricket’s Wish List for 2024.
India Cricket Wish List for 2024
End ICC Trophy Drought
Since 2013, Team India have been waiting to win another ICC trophy. 2013 was the last when MS Dhoni-led India won the ICC Champions Trophy. In 2024, both men’s and women’s teams have the opportunity to drop the choker’s tag. Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women’s Team will travel to Bangladesh in September to lift their maiden ICC trophy. Rohit Sharma & Co will travel to West Indies & the USA to bring back T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
Split coaching
With more and more focus on T20s, India need a coach who is aware of the modern T20 game. While Rahul Dravid is still the best choice in red-ball cricket, the BCCI should look at a split coaching and look for white-ball coach instead. That will help Dravid plan better for crucial series including Australia tour in December. And as has been the case in other cricket playing nations, T20s have overtaken the speed of ODIs. Hence, it’s only natural to look for a white-ball specialist instead.
New captain
Rohit Sharma has been a great captain. But at 37, he is in twilight of his career and India need a long-term captain. With ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, India must identify their next ODI captain now. And even though BCCI does not believe in split captaincy, it’s time to think for format-specific captain for best results. If Rohit Sharma leads in Tests, India need KL Rahul in ODIs while Hardik Pandya in T20Is.
More Women’s Tests
The two dominant victories at home have shown us that India Women’s Team could be threat to reckon with at home. And the BCCI must leverage that. They need to play more Tests and not just one-off Tests but three-match series at least.
Transition plan
2024 could be a crucial year for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both or one of them could take a call on at least one format and India need a transition plan in place not only for them but also for Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Rishabh Pant makes full comeback
It’s been a year since Rishabh Pant last played for India. Following the unfortunate car crash, he is continuing with his recovery, But India Cricket Team need him back, at least in Test at the earliest. While there is no timeline on his return, he could be back in IPL 2024 and that will be great sign for fans with India set to tour Australia in December.
