Take A Look At Young And Emerging International Cricketers Who Made A Significant Impact On The World Stage

January 1, 2025: 2024 was a year of fresh talent and emerging stars across world cricket, with a new generation of players stepping up to fill the void left by some of the sport’s greats. As legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson near the twilight of their careers, several young cricketers showcased the kind of flair and consistency that could shape the future of the game. These players have not only made their mark in domestic competitions but also delivered impressive performances on the international stage.

Here are some of the breakout talents of 2024, who are primed to carry the torch forward in world cricket:

1. Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)

• Role: Middle-order batter, wicketkeeper, off-spinner
• 2024 Highlights:
  After bursting onto the scene with a remarkable 28-ball 72 in 2022, Stubbs had struggled to find consistency. However, 2024 was a complete turnaround for the Protean. He scored a triple century (302*) in South Africa’s domestic four-day competition and continued his stellar form in franchise cricket, starring in SA20 and the IPL. In 33 international matches, he made 1,173 runs at an average of 39.10, including three centuries and three fifties. His dynamic batting and adaptability across formats have drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers, making him a key player for South Africa’s future.

2. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

• Role: Top-order batter, left-arm spinner
• 2024 Highlights:
  Sri Lanka has long been searching for someone to fill the boots of their legendary batting duo, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Kamindu Mendis has emerged as a potential successor with his astonishing performances in Test cricket. In 2024, he scored 1,049 runs at an average of 74.62, with five centuries and three fifties. His conversion rate—scoring heavily once set—has impressed critics, and he became the fastest to 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings, tying with Don Bradman. His technical soundness and hunger for runs have made him one of the most exciting talents in Sri Lankan cricket.

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

• Role: Top-order batter
• 2024 Highlights:
  Jaiswal’s meteoric rise continued in 2024, with the young left-hander delivering some exceptional performances, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the IPL. He scored 712 runs in a five-match series against England and played an integral role in India’s T20 World Cup win. His breakthrough moment came with a gritty 161 against Australia at Perth, which helped India secure a crucial win. Jaiswal ended the year as India’s highest run-scorer, with 1,771 runs in 23 matches, including three centuries. His ability to adapt to all formats at such a young age has made him a future mainstay in Indian cricket.

4. Jamie Smith (England)

• Role: Top-order batter
• 2024 Highlights:
  After struggling in previous seasons, Smith found his groove in 2024 with some match-winning performances in the West Indies series. His fast-scoring nature, coupled with his ability to bat with the tail, has made him an exciting prospect for England. He ended the year with 637 runs in nine Tests at an average of 42.46 and a strike rate of 72.30. Smith has become a critical player for England in their search for a new attacking middle-order batter to complement the ‘Bazball’ philosophy.

5. Jacob Bethell (England)

• Role: All-rounder (batting all-rounder, spin bowler)
• 2024 Highlights:
  Bethell’s rise was rapid in 2024, making his debut in all formats within months. He impressed with his fearless strokeplay, not just with the bat but also with his spin bowling. In his first international year, Bethell scored 600 runs at an average of 42.00 and took 7 wickets in 18 matches. His dynamic approach, particularly in T20s, coupled with his skill as a bowler, has seen him touted as one of England’s brightest all-round prospects for the future.

6. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

• Role: Top-order batter
• 2024 Highlights:
  Known for his attacking strokeplay, Saim Ayub became a revelation in 2024. Despite a slow start in international cricket, Ayub broke out with significant performances across formats. He scored 1,254 runs in 35 matches, including three centuries and five fifties, with an average of 33.00. His standout performance came in ODIs, where he scored 515 runs at an average of 64.37, including three centuries. His aggressive style and adaptability to different formats make him one to watch for Pakistan’s future.

7. Abhishek Sharma (India)

• Role: Opening batter
• 2024 Highlights:
  Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most destructive T20 openers in world cricket. His breakthrough season in IPL 2024, where he amassed 484 runs at a strike rate of 204, was followed by a quickfire ton on his international debut. He finished the year with 1,129 runs in T20Is, averaging 31.36 and a strike rate of 198.07. Although he still has work to do in other formats, his fearless approach makes him a valuable asset for India, especially in T20 cricket.

8. Gus Atkinson (England)

• Role: Fast bowler
• 2024 Highlights:
  Atkinson made his mark in 2024, particularly with his exceptional debut Test series against the West Indies, where he took 12 wickets in one match, including two five-wicket hauls. His meteoric rise continued with a hat-trick and standout performances against New Zealand. With 52 wickets in 11 Tests, including three five-wicket hauls, Atkinson proved his ability to deliver under pressure, making him a key figure in England’s fast-bowling department.

9. William O’Rourke (New Zealand)

• Role: Fast bowler
• 2024 Highlights:
  As New Zealand’s bowling attack starts to age, William O’Rourke has emerged as a formidable replacement for the retiring pacers. His performances in 2024 have been impressive, taking 40 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 24.45. He played a key role in New Zealand’s historic Test series win in India, with figures of 4/22 in Bengaluru, which helped secure a whitewash of India. His aggressive and intelligent pace bowling has made him one of the most promising fast bowlers in the world.

10. Nitish Kumar Reddy (India)

• Role: All-rounder (pace-bowling all-rounder)
• 2024 Highlights:
  Reddy’s rise has been one of the most heartwarming stories of 2024. After a breakout IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he made his international debut and quickly established himself as a reliable all-rounder. He scored 294 runs in seven innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including a century at the MCG, and took key wickets. His performances in T20s and ODIs further cemented his place in India’s future plans as a pace-bowling all-rounder.

2024 has been a year where cricket’s future stars emerged in full force, showing that the game is in safe hands for the years to come. From destructive batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Saim Ayub to all-rounders like Abhishek Sharma and Jacob Bethell, and fiery bowlers like Gus Atkinson and William O’Rourke, the game is witnessing a refreshing wave of talent. With the upcoming ICC tournaments and domestic leagues, these players will continue to refine their skills and establish themselves as key figures in their respective teams, signaling a bright future for world cricket.