Yashasvi Jaiswal to Travis: Top 10 Emerging Cricket Stars from 2024
2024 has been a watershed year for cricket enthusiasts. As we witnessed some of the most exhilarating rivalries and game-defining moments, it also marked the advent of the next generation of cricket stars. These players not only captured the imagination of fans but also showcased their mettle, proving they have what it takes to become the future greats of the game. Among them, several individuals left an indelible mark on cricket’s global stage.
Top 10 Cricket Stars of 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name resonated strongly throughout 2024. In Tests, Jaiswal accumulated an impressive 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74, featuring three centuries and 11 fifties. Among his achievements were two double centuries against England, a series where he scored a remarkable 712 runs. His ability to adapt to different conditions was evident in Australia, where he amassed 359 runs across eight innings, including a stellar 161 at Perth. Despite a mixed IPL performance, Jaiswal emerged as India’s top international run-scorer this year, aggregating 1,771 runs across formats. With his explosive batting and records for most sixes by an Indian opener, Jaiswal is undoubtedly one of the most promising cricket stars to watch.
Joe Root (England)
Though established, Joe Root’s dominance this year reaffirmed his place in cricket history. He led the Test run-charts with 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57, including six centuries. In achieving this, Root surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s highest Test run-scorer, while inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most Test runs. Root’s mastery of the longest format solidifies his stature as a legend and ensures his role as a guide for emerging cricket stars.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance in 2024 redefined fast bowling for Indian cricket. Leading the country to a T20 World Cup triumph, Bumrah delivered spectacular performances, taking 15 wickets during the tournament and earning the Player of the Tournament award. Across formats, he amassed 86 wickets at a stellar average of 13.76, showcasing his ability to thrive on diverse surfaces. His control, fiery yorkers, and knack for delivering under pressure have inspired a new generation of pacers, further cementing his place as one of 2024’s leading cricket stars.
Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head’s consistency across formats made him one of Australia’s standout performers. Scoring 1,399 runs at an average of 42.39, including four centuries, Head displayed a penchant for rising to the occasion. His record-breaking partnership with Abhishek Sharma in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad further demonstrated his versatility and dynamism. Ranked as the top T20I batter, Head is a formidable force in modern cricket.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
Shreyas Iyer’s resilience and leadership defined his 2024 journey. After parting ways with the Indian red-ball team, he led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL victory and Mumbai to multiple domestic trophies. In 44 matches, Iyer tallied 1,841 runs, showcasing his grit across formats. Securing a lucrative IPL deal with Punjab Kings underscored his stature. Iyer’s flair and determination have set him apart among the emerging cricket stars.
Gus Atkinson (England)
Gus Atkinson became England’s most sensational find of the year. The young pacer’s Test debut against West Indies saw him claim 12 wickets in a single match. With 52 wickets and a century in just 11 Tests this year, Atkinson made history by becoming one of the fastest to achieve remarkable all-round feats. His ability to shine with both bat and ball signals a bright future, positioning him among the brightest cricket stars of 2024.
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
A key figure in New Zealand’s bowling lineup, Matt Henry impressed with 48 wickets in just nine Tests. His spell of 5/15 against India in Bengaluru was pivotal in a landmark series win. Overall, with 59 wickets in 2024, Henry proved his reliability and effectiveness, earning him recognition as a standout performer and an indispensable cricket star for his nation.
Arshdeep Singh (India)
Arshdeep Singh’s dominance in T20Is solidified his reputation as India’s ace in the shortest format. Claiming 36 wickets at an impressive average of 13.50, Arshdeep’s ability to execute pinpoint yorkers made him India’s top wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup. His growth as a bowler demonstrates his readiness to shoulder responsibility in international cricket, establishing him as a rising star.
Ravindra Jadeja (India)
The evergreen Ravindra Jadeja remained indispensable for India in 2024. With 49 wickets and 562 runs, Jadeja continued to excel as a match-winning all-rounder. Capturing key moments during the T20 World Cup victory, Jadeja showed why he’s a leader both on and off the field. His mid-30s prowess remains unmatched, further inspiring younger cricket stars.
Special Mentions and Reddy’s Impact
While our primary list highlights extraordinary talents, several other emerging players deserve recognition. One name, Reddy, has been making waves in domestic circuits and is poised to transition to the international stage soon. Their resilience and consistency at the grassroots level remind us of cricket’s evolving narrative.
Conclusion
The year 2024 has given fans much to celebrate, from record-breaking performances to young players stepping into the limelight. These cricket stars have not only rewritten the record books but have also infused a renewed sense of hope and excitement among fans globally. As they continue to grow and excel, their journeys will inspire countless young aspirants to follow in their footsteps and elevate the sport to new heights.
