Following a mixed experience in the ODI World Cup, Indian cricket fans eagerly anticipate the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, hoping that Rohit Sharma’s leadership will finally break India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought. Reflecting on India’s T20 World Cup journey from its inception in 2007 to the upcoming ninth edition.
Here’s a detailed look at the highs and lows of the team over the past 17 years:
2007
India’s T20 World Cup history began with a bang in 2007 when they clinched the title in South Africa. The tournament featured iconic moments like the India-Pakistan bowl-out and Gautam Gambhir’s match-winning 75 runs in the final, supported by Rohit Sharma’s swift 30.
Despite Pakistan’s strong resistance, India defended 12 runs in the last over, with Joginder Sharma and Sreesanth securing a memorable win.
2009
However, India’s subsequent T20 World Cup performances have been inconsistent. In the eight tournaments since, India failed to reach the knockout stages in four editions.
Defending champions in 2009, India topped their group but faltered in the Super Eight, failing to win any matches against England, South Africa, and the West Indies. The pattern repeated in 2010, as India again exited in the Super Eight, unable to secure victories against West Indies, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
2012
The 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka saw India show promise, winning against South Africa and Pakistan in the Super Eight. Yet, a heavy loss to Australia prevented them from reaching the semifinals. The 2014 edition saw India reach the final, with Virat Kohli shining by scoring 319 runs, including a notable 77 in the final. Unfortunately, India’s total of 130 was easily chased by Sri Lanka.
2016
In 2016, India, as hosts, had a mixed run. After an initial loss to New Zealand, they bounced back with wins over Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Australia, reaching the semifinals. However, they were defeated by the West Indies, who eventually won the tournament. The 2021 T20 World Cup was particularly disappointing, with India losing to Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage, leading to an early exit.
Virat Kohli’s supremacy
Virat Kohli has been a standout player for India in the T20 World Cup, amassing 1,141 runs in 25 innings across five editions, averaging 81.5 with a strike rate of 131.3. He has the most half-centuries (14) in the tournament’s history and is the only player to have won the Player of the Tournament award twice.
Spinners take the lead
Ravichandran Ashwin has been India’s most successful bowler in the tournament, taking 32 wickets in five editions, followed by Ravindra Jadeja with 21 and Irfan Pathan with 16 as the highest wicket-taking pacer.
Rohit Sharma remains a stalwart for India, being one of only two players to have participated in every edition of the T20 World Cup. His record includes 963 runs in 39 matches, with an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88.
2024
As the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, Indian fans are hopeful that the team, led by experienced players and emerging talents, will reclaim their position at the top of T20 cricket and end their long wait for an ICC trophy.
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