How India’s T20 Batting Went on a Six-Hitting Spree in 2024
Latest news from the world of Indian cricket highlights a significant shift in T20 batting in 2024. This year, India embraced the art of hitting sixes like never before, transforming the landscape of domestic cricket.
Transition in Longer Formats
In 2024, Indian cricket experienced a transition in its longer formats. Test standards fell, both at home and abroad, and India faced its first ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka in 27 years. With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, many stalwarts were nearing the end of their careers in the 50-over format. Amidst this uncertainty, India found solace and success in T20 batting.
Embracing T20 Batting
As the senior team wrapped up a series in South Africa after their World Cup triumph, India’s T20 season kicked off with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The major takeaway from the 133-match tournament was the newfound ability of most batsmen to hit big shots.
The Impact Sub Rule
The introduction of the Impact Sub Rule in SMAT in 2022 played a pivotal role in this transformation. The rule aimed to boost the IPL’s entertainment factor, leading to a significant increase in scoring rates. Even after the rule was scrapped for the 2024 SMAT, the six-hitting spree continued.
Evolution of Scoring Rates
- 2022 SMAT: Overall league batting strike rate (SR) of 116.87 in 131 matches
- 2023 SMAT: SR of 127.82 in 131 matches
- 2024 SMAT: SR of 135.54 in 133 matches (highest ever)
Key Players and Performances
Several players stood out in this year’s T20 season. Sports news from India highlighted Mumbai’s title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer, who emphasized the changed mindset brought about by the Impact Player Rule. He stressed that players now believe they can excel from the very first ball.
Mumbai’s Success
Mumbai’s team showed great depth in their batting line-up. Players like Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer, Shivam Dube, and rookie Suryansh Shedge contributed to their success. They averaged 10.42 runs per over, the best among the last eight teams.
Record-Breaking Performances
The 2024 SMAT season saw numerous record-breaking performances:
- Thirty-seven 200-plus totals were made in the tournament.
- Baroda shattered the world record with a 349/5 assault on Sikkim, hitting 37 sixes in their final group game.
- Mumbai achieved the highest successful SMAT chase, scoring 230 runs.
Record-Breaking Performances
The 2024 SMAT season saw numerous record-breaking performances:
- Thirty-seven 200-plus totals were made in the tournament.
- Baroda shattered the world record with a 349/5 assault on Sikkim, hitting 37 sixes in their final group game.
- Mumbai achieved the highest successful SMAT chase, scoring 230 runs.
Emerging Heroes
India’s T20I performances in 2024 were remarkable. The brilliance of players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson was evident, even when all-format regulars returned after Test and ODI assignments.
Major Indian T20 Records in 2024
- 297: India’s highest T20I score, against Bangladesh in October 2024.
- 1,855 sixes: The most in a recognized T20 league (SMAT 2024-25).
- 14 hundreds: Most hundreds in a SMAT season.
- 3 centuries: Sanju Samson became the first T20I batter to record three centuries in a year.
- 151 runs: Tilak Varma became the first Indian man to hit a T20 150-plus score.
- 87 sixes: Abhishek Sharma recorded the most T20 sixes by an Indian in a calendar year.
- 28-ball hundreds: Abhishek Sharma and Gujarat’s Urvil Patel recorded the joint-fastest T20 hundreds by Indians.
