India’s bowlers played a pivotal role in shaping their ODI campaign in 2024. They showcased a mix of consistency and adaptability, delivering impressive performances on home soil and demonstrating determination in Australian conditions. This article delves into India’s top wicket-takers for the year.
Most Wickets for India in ODIs (2024):
1) Deepti Sharma: 24 Wickets
Deepti Sharma had a remarkable year with the ball, showcasing her prowess in spin bowling. The off-spinner was instrumental in India’s 3-0 triumph against South Africa at home, scalping six wickets in three ODIs. Her standout performance came in the final match, where she claimed 2/27 and was named Player of the Match. Deepti also delivered a stellar performance in the series against the West Indies, finishing as the second-leading wicket-taker with six scalps. Her best outing came in the third ODI against the Windies, where she registered figures of 6/31, earning the Player of the Match award. Deepti’s consistency throughout the year saw her finish with 24 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 4.49, making her India’s top bowler in 2024.
2) Renuka Singh Thakur: 16 Wickets
Renuka Singh Thakur often set the tone for India with her incisive new-ball spells. The pacer’s ability to deliver early breakthroughs was crucial for the team. In the away series against Australia, Renuka showcased her skills in the first ODI, taking three wickets in the powerplay to finish with figures of 3/45. Her most memorable performance came in the home series against the West Indies in December 2024. In the first ODI, defending a target of 315, Renuka dismantled the opposition’s top order, claiming her maiden ODI five-wicket haul with figures of 5/29. She was deservedly named Player of the Match. Renuka ended the series as the top wicket-taker with 10 wickets in three matches, her inswingers proving to be a nightmare for batters.
3) Priya Mishra: 11 Wickets
Priya Mishra made a promising start to her ODI career, debuting against New Zealand in October 2024. The leg-spinner quickly made an impact, taking three wickets in the two matches she played in the series. Priya continued to impress during the Australia tour, finishing with figures of 2/11 in the first ODI. Against the West Indies, she delivered a standout performance in the second ODI, claiming 3/49. Priya’s knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs was crucial for India, and she ended the year as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets—her potential hints at a bright future ahead.
4) Arundhati Reddy: 8 Wickets
The 27-year-old pacer made her ODI debut against South Africa earlier this year, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. In the two matches she played during the series, Arundhati claimed three wickets, including a clutch performance in a nail-biting second ODI where she held her nerve in the final over. Though featured in only five matches throughout the year, she delivered impactful contributions. Her best performance came against Australia in the third ODI, where she registered figures of 4/26. Despite her impressive displays, Arundhati was surprisingly omitted from the home series against the West Indies.
5) Radha Yadav: 8 Wickets
India’s left-arm spinner Radha Yadav rounded out the list with eight wickets in seven ODIs. Radha was particularly effective in the series against New Zealand, claiming seven wickets across three matches. Her notable performances included figures of 3/35 in the first ODI, where she played a crucial role in India’s victory. She followed this with a four-wicket haul in the second ODI, finishing with 4/69 in 10 overs as her efforts came in a losing cause.
Loves all things female cricket
