The Worst XI of 2024: Players Who Fell Short of Expectations

In cricket, every season brings its fair share of heroes and heartbreaks. While some players rise to the occasion, others struggle under the weight of expectations. The year 2024 saw many stars falter, with their performances falling well below the lofty standards they’ve set in the past. Whether it was inconsistency, poor form, or the pressure of leadership, these players couldn’t find their rhythm, leaving fans and teams disappointed.

The “Worst XI of 2024” isn’t just a collection of underwhelming statistics—it’s a stark reminder that even the best can have off years. This team features players from across the cricketing world, including once-reliable batters, bowlers, and all-rounders who failed to make an impact. As we look back at their struggles, it’s a chance to reflect on the unpredictable nature of the game—and to anticipate their potential comebacks in 2025.

1. Zakir Hasan (Bangladesh)

Once touted as Bangladesh’s next big thing, Zakir Hasan’s performance in Test cricket this year was underwhelming. In 8 matches, he managed a mere 239 runs, averaging a disappointing 19.92. Despite a solitary century, his inability to provide consistent runs at the top left Bangladesh reeling in critical moments. His performances were emblematic of Bangladesh’s broader struggles in the longer format, as they often found themselves chasing the game due to a fragile top order.

2. Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

The South African wicketkeeper-batter had a surprisingly forgettable year in T20Is. In 12 matches, he accumulated 307 runs at an average of just 25.58, far below his usual standards. Known for his aggressive starts, de Kock seemed to lose his rhythm in 2024, often leaving South Africa in trouble during the powerplay. His inability to convert starts into substantial scores compounded his woes, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.

3. Steve Smith (Australia)

Steve Smith is a name synonymous with Test cricket excellence, but 2024 told a different story. Across 27 innings, Smith managed only 658 runs at an average of 25.30, with just one century and one fifty in 8 matches. This was a far cry from the prolific batsman we’re accustomed to. His struggles highlighted Australia’s batting woes in a year where they failed to dominate as they have in the past.

4. Virat Kohli (India)

The “King” had one of his worst years in international cricket. Virat Kohli’s 2024 stats are a stark departure from his legendary standards: 22 matches, 614 runs at an average of 22, with just one century and two fifties. His struggles spanned all three formats, and his lack of consistency raised questions about his form and fitness. For fans used to seeing Kohli dominate bowlers worldwide, 2024 was a tough pill to swallow.

5. Babar Azam (Pakistan)

The year started with high hopes for Babar Azam, but it ended with him being benched from Pakistan’s Test team. In 34 matches across formats, Babar scored 1,114 runs at an average of 32.76, with eight fifties and no centuries. While he fared decently in ODIs, amassing 738 runs in 24 matches, his performances in Tests were dismal, leading to his omission. His leadership also came under scrutiny as Pakistan struggled to find consistency under his captaincy.

6. Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain, Bangladesh)

Najmul Hossain Shanto, leading Bangladesh across formats, endured a year to forget. In 34 matches, he scored 961 runs at an average of 25. His numbers in Tests were particularly poor, with 317 runs in 8 matches at an average of just 21. As captain, Shanto failed to inspire confidence with either the bat or his leadership, making him a deserving captain of this “Worst XI.”

7. Sam Curran (England)

The most disappointing all-rounder of 2024, Sam Curran, had a year to forget. Nearly going unsold in the IPL was a sign of his diminishing impact. In 15 IPL matches, Curran scored only 228 runs and took a paltry 5 wickets, leaking runs at an economy of 10. His performances in international cricket were similarly uninspiring, leaving England’s management with tough questions about his role in the side.

8. Obed McCoy (West Indies)

West Indies’ Obed McCoy struggled as a frontline seamer in T20s this year. Despite picking up 11 wickets in 11 matches, his economy rate of nearly 10 made him a liability. With batters targeting him in crucial overs, McCoy’s inability to contain runs or deliver breakthroughs meant he often left his team in precarious situations.

9. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Gerald Coetzee showed promise in 2024 but failed to deliver consistent performances. In 7 matches across formats, he managed only 10 wickets, failing to live up to the expectations as South Africa’s emerging pace prospect. His lack of wickets in critical moments and inability to adapt to different conditions made him a disappointing inclusion in the playing XI.

10. Jofra Archer (England)

Jofra Archer’s much-anticipated comeback to cricket in 2024 didn’t pan out as expected. Representing England in white-ball cricket, Archer picked up 22 wickets in 20 matches, which, by his standards, was underwhelming. His pace and accuracy seemed to have dipped, leaving many questioning if he could return to his previous world-class form.

11. Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)

Abrar Ahmed burst onto the scene as a mystery spinner but failed to maintain his momentum in 2024. Across 13 matches, he picked up 20 wickets, with most of his success coming in T20s. His performances in Tests were particularly poor, leading to him being dropped from the red-ball team. Fans and selectors expected much more from the talented spinner, making his inclusion in this list justified.

Conclusion

Cricket is a game of highs and lows, and 2024 was a stark reminder that even the best players can have off years. For these 11 cricketers, the year was a struggle, with poor form, injuries, and inconsistency defining their performances. As they look to bounce back in 2025, fans and teams will hope these players rediscover their magic and return to their best. After all, cricket is a game of comebacks, and every player in this “Worst XI” has the talent to turn things around.

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