In a surprising turn of events, cricketing superstars Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have not been nominated for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Instead, the spotlight has shifted to players from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies, who delivered exceptional performances in the 50-over format throughout the year.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as one of the most impressive bowlers in white-ball cricket in 2024. The leg-spinner displayed remarkable consistency, with his standout performance being a career-best 7/19 against Zimbabwe. Hasaranga’s knack for taking crucial wickets in almost every match earned him recognition as a key player for Sri Lanka. Whether facing Afghanistan, the West Indies, or India, he consistently dominated with the ball and proved invaluable to his team’s success.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai showcased incredible all-round abilities, cementing his place as one of the most valuable players of 2024. Beginning the year with a stellar unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka, Omarzai’s contributions didn’t stop there. His impactful performances with both bat and ball were instrumental in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series victory over South Africa. He also played crucial roles in wins against other strong teams like South Africa and Bangladesh, proving himself as a rising star in international cricket.
Former Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis had a fantastic year in ODIs, averaging over 50 with the bat. His career-best innings of 143 against India highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Mendis also impressed behind the stumps, contributing 19 dismissals during the year. His dual role as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batsman made him an integral part of Sri Lanka’s successful ODI campaigns.
The West Indies found their hero in Sherfane Rutherford, whose explosive batting lit up the ODI format. Previously known for his aggressive style in T20Is, Rutherford seamlessly brought that same energy to the 50-over game. A memorable highlight was his stunning 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh, which helped the West Indies secure a dominant 3-0 series win. Rutherford’s powerful performances signaled his emergence as a player to watch in the coming years.
While cricket fans worldwide may feel the absence of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in this year’s nominations, the inclusion of fresh talent from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the game. These rising stars have proven their mettle on the international stage, earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions to cricket in 2024.
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