Rohit Sharma Crowned Captain of ICC Men’s Team of the Year 2024, Kohli, Afridi, and Zampa Miss Out
In a surprise move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the ICC Men’s Team of the Year 2024, leaving out several big names, including Indian stalwart Virat Kohli, Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi, and Australian spinner Adam Zampa.
The selection, which is based on performances in international cricket across all three formats – Test, ODI, and T20 – has been met with shock and awe in the cricket fraternity. Sharma, who has been a consistent run-scorer for India in recent years, has now been appointed as the captain of the team, which comprises some of the best players from around the world.
Kohli, one of the most successful Indian captains of all time, was a strong contender for the top spot, but he failed to make the cut. The 33-year-old has been going through a lean patch, failing to score a century in 18 innings, and his average has dropped to under 40.
Shaheen Afridi, who has been one of the most exciting young pacers in the world, was also left out, despite his impressive figures of 51 wickets in 2024, the second-highest among all Asian fast bowlers. The 22-year-old has been a key player in Pakistan’s resurgence in Test cricket, but his exclusion from the Team of the Year has sparked controversy.
Adam Zampa, the Australian leg-spinner, was another notable omission, despite his impressive record in the format. He has picked up 55 wickets in 2024, the third-highest among all bowlers, but his missed catch in the recent ODI series against India has cost him dearly.
Rohit Sharma, who has been instrumental in India’s success in recent years, leads a team that includes some of the best players in the world, including his former Indian teammates Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah. Other notable inclusions include Australian star Steve Smith, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and Pakistan’s Babar Azam.
The selection has once again highlighted the importance of consistency and form in cricket, as well as the regional bias that often affects team selection. While Sharma’s elevation as captain of the ICC Men’s Team of the Year is a testament to his impressive form and leadership skills, the exclusion of Kohli, Afridi, and Zampa is a stark reminder of the challenges that players face in maintaining their positions in the game.
The selection has sparked a lively debate in the cricket community, with many former players and experts weighing in on the decision. As the game continues to evolve, the ICC’s selection panel will have to navigate these complex challenges, keeping in mind the diverse opinions and expectations of fans, teams, and players around the world.
