“Get ready for an exciting 2024 cricket season with these players who are set to make headlines.”
The 2024 cricket season is shaping up to be an action-packed year, with several international tournaments, domestic leagues, and the continued rise of young talent. While some players are established stars, others are emerging prospects eager to make their mark on the global stage. From power hitters to spin wizards, here’s a list of the top players to watch in 2024, spanning various formats and regions.
1. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batsman and captain, continues to be one of the most consistent and technically sound players in the game. Known for his elegant stroke play and remarkable consistency, Babar is ranked among the top batsmen across all formats. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a crucial asset for Pakistan in both ODIs and T20s.
What to Watch: With the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup approaching, Babar’s performance will be under the spotlight. His leadership skills, along with his batting, could be pivotal as Pakistan looks to clinch another major title.
2. Ben Stokes (England)
Ben Stokes is England’s all-rounder extraordinaire, renowned for his aggressive batting, sharp bowling, and incredible fielding. Stokes returned to limited-overs cricket in 2023 and quickly regained his position as one of the most feared players in the world. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a key player for England in both Test and limited-overs cricket.
What to Watch: Stokes’ aggressive style is perfectly suited to T20 cricket, and with England aiming for another T20 World Cup, he will be instrumental in their campaign. His impact in The Ashes is also highly anticipated, as he seeks to continue his legacy in English cricket.
3. Shubman Gill (India)
Shubman Gill is one of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket, known for his stylish and technically sound batting. Gill has proven his mettle in both ODIs and Test cricket, with recent centuries showcasing his potential to be India’s next batting great. As he gains more international experience, his role as an opener is expected to grow.
What to Watch: Gill’s form in the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC events will be crucial for India. If he continues to play with confidence, he could be a game-changer in high-pressure matches and a key contributor in India’s batting lineup.
4. Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Shaheen Afridi has established himself as one of the most dangerous left-arm fast bowlers in cricket today. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways at high speeds, Shaheen has proven his effectiveness in both the Powerplay and death overs. His skill at taking early wickets gives Pakistan an edge in all formats.
What to Watch: Shaheen’s performance in the T20 World Cup and the ODI series will be closely watched, as he leads Pakistan’s bowling attack. His match-winning ability and knack for breaking partnerships make him one of the most exciting bowlers in 2024.
5. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is a T20 sensation and one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues worldwide. His unique leg-spin, combined with an array of variations, makes him a formidable opponent. Rashid’s ability to bowl under pressure has made him a game-changer, often swinging matches in his team’s favor.
What to Watch: Rashid’s contributions in the T20 World Cup and franchise leagues like the IPL and PSL will be critical. As Afghanistan’s most celebrated cricketer, his performance is crucial for both his national team and clubs.
6. Devon Conway (New Zealand)
Devon Conway has quickly become a vital player for New Zealand in all formats. Known for his adaptability, he is a consistent scorer with the ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles as needed. His recent performances have showcased his potential to become a mainstay in New Zealand’s top order.
What to Watch: Conway’s role in the upcoming Test series and the World Cup will be vital for New Zealand. His adaptability in different conditions makes him a valuable asset, especially in matches where a steady innings can change the game’s outcome.
7. Jofra Archer (England)
After dealing with injuries, Jofra Archer is expected to make a strong comeback in 2024. Known for his raw pace and ability to bowl lethal bouncers, Archer’s return could be game-changing for England’s bowling lineup. His ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in limited-overs cricket, has made him one of the most exciting bowlers in modern cricket.
What to Watch: Archer’s performance in T20 leagues, including the IPL, and his potential role in the T20 World Cup could reestablish him as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers.
8. Travis Head (Australia)
Australian batsman Travis Head has made a name for himself with his aggressive yet reliable approach, especially in Tests. He’s known for his ability to score quickly and has become a crucial member of Australia’s top order. Head’s recent performances have shown that he can adapt his game to suit various conditions and match situations.
What to Watch: Head’s performance in The Ashes and ODI matches leading up to the World Cup will be key. His role in providing Australia with strong starts is likely to have a significant impact on their success.
9. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Kagiso Rabada remains a standout bowler for South Africa, with his fierce pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. Rabada is not only skilled in taking wickets but also in maintaining pressure by keeping runs to a minimum. His aggressive bowling style has made him one of the most consistent performers in the international arena.
What to Watch: Rabada’s role in the South African team for the ODI World Cup and various Test series will be pivotal. His knack for breaking partnerships and leading the bowling attack could make him one of the season’s most valuable players.
10. Ruturaj Gaikwad (India)
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been making waves in Indian domestic and T20 cricket, showcasing an impressive mix of power hitting and smart shot selection. His consistent performances in the IPL have positioned him as a promising player for India’s future in limited-overs cricket. Many consider him the next big thing in Indian cricket.
What to Watch: Gaikwad’s performances in the IPL and his potential role in India’s T20 squad are highly anticipated. His batting style and ability to play aggressive yet controlled innings make him a player to watch in 2024.
11. Harry Brook (England)
Harry Brook is one of England’s most exciting young talents, known for his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly. Brook’s T20 prowess has made him a valuable player in franchise leagues, and he is gaining recognition as a versatile batsman in international cricket.
What to Watch: Brook’s form in the T20 World Cup and The Ashes will be closely monitored, as he looks to cement his position in the England lineup. His adaptability and power-hitting skills make him a valuable asset for both his national team and franchise clubs.
12. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has gained popularity for his effective leg-spin and batting skills. Known for his ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Hasaranga is also capable of adding valuable runs with the bat, making him a complete package for limited-overs cricket.
What to Watch: Hasaranga’s performance in the T20 World Cup and in the IPL will be critical as Sri Lanka looks to re-establish itself as a force in world cricket. His ability to impact games with both bat and ball makes him a player to watch closely.
13. Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has earned his reputation as a reliable and technically sound batsman in Test cricket. Known for his disciplined approach and high strike rate in longer formats, Labuschagne has been a consistent performer for Australia, contributing crucial runs when needed.
What to Watch: Labuschagne’s role in The Ashes and other Test series will be pivotal as Australia seeks to maintain its dominance. His adaptability to different pitch conditions and knack for building partnerships make him a valuable player.
Conclusion
The 2024 cricket season is packed with talent and promises exciting performances across formats. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, each player on this list brings a unique skill set that can turn games around. Whether it’s power hitting, spin mastery, or fast bowling, these players are set to define the year’s cricketing landscape. As fans, we can look forward to thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments from these top players who are sure to make a lasting impact in 2024.