Xtra Time Web Desk: In 2023, Indian cricket experienced both highs and lows, with notable achievements and disappointments across formats. The Indian cricket team ended the year as the No 1 side across formats. The men’s team showcased dominance in bilateral series, successfully retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and triumphing in the Asia Cup 2023. However, the year was marked by two significant defeats in ICC events – World Test Championship (WTC) and World Cup finals against Australia. Rohit & his boys played eight Test matches in 2023 where they won and lost three each and drew on two occasions. The Indian test team ended the year on a disappointing note, suffering a humiliating innings and 32 run loss in the Boxing Day Test against Proteas in Centurion.
The Men in Blue were dominant in the white ball format, winning 27 ODIs out of 35. They lost seven and one ended in no result. India played 25 T20Is and won 15 of them. They lost seven and three ended with no result.
Despite stellar performances by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India faltered in the big-ticket finals, raising questions about handling pressure in crucial moments. The frustration persisted as the team once again missed out on ICC silverware. The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) brought financial gains, potentially revolutionizing women’s cricket.
In the World Test Championship Final and World Cup finals, India faced Australia on both occasions but failed to secure victory in both instances. Selection decisions and strategy of the team management were debated, but the core issue seemed to be the team’s inability to handle pressure against a battle-hardened opponent. Despite the disappointing loss in the World Cup final, performances of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami stood out. Kohli was named Player of the Tournament with 765 runs while Shami was the highest wicket taker with 24 scalps.
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On the batting front, Yashasvi Jaiswal made an impactful Test debut against West Indies, scoring a hundred. Young talents like Tilak Varma, Mukesh Kumar and Rinku Singh also emerged, contributing to India’s T20I plans. However, the absence of Rishabh Pant, following a road accident in December 2022, has disrupted the team’s balance, and his return is eagerly awaited. Jasprit Bumrah returned after a long injury lay-off and made an impact immediately.
In women’s cricket, despite disappointments against England and Australia in white ball formats, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team won both the test matches against the same opponents. The Indian women’s team clinched the Asian Games gold. Standout performances in Test cricket, a format rarely played internationally, brought victories against Australia and England, advocating for more Test matches for the women’s team.
The Women’s Premier League witnessed landmark deals, with franchise fees and broadcast rights fetching substantial amounts. The numbers were fascinating, attracting investor interest, though the challenge lies in sustaining this momentum. The women’s under-19 team brought silverware home, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, providing a beacon of hope and success in the future of women’s cricket.
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