Not MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma! Meet the most searched cricketer on Google in 2024
The year 2024 is drawing a close and, like every year, Google has come out with its 'Year in Search' list. If we talk about cricket, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the most searched cricketer on Google in 2024 for obvious reasons. The cricketer features at No. 7 on the list of most searched athletes.
Pandya experienced a horror first half in 2024 after he was named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), replacing Rohit Sharma. Hitman's fans did not take the decision of the MI management too well and abused the all-rounder during the IPL, constantly booing him and passing some rather snide remarks.
The 31-year-old, however, turned things around in sensational fashion and played a stellar role in Team India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. In eight matches during the Men's in Blue World Cup campaign, Pandya smashed 144 runs at an average of 48. With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets at an average of 17.36. The versatile cricketer bowled the high-pressure last over in the final against South Africa.
Pandya clobbered an unbeaten 50 off just 27 balls against Bangladesh in North Sound and contributed 23 off 13 in the semifinal against England in Guyana. With the ball, he was constantly among the wickets. The right-arm pacer kicked off the World Cup with 3-27 against Ireland and followed it up with 2-24 against Pakistan and 2-14 against USA. In the final against the Proteas, he finished with 3-20.
Considering the remarkable ride that Pandya experienced as a sportsperson this year, it is no surprise that he is the most searched cricketer of 2024. Boxer Imane Khelif tops the list of most searched athletes on Google in 2024 followed by Mike Tyson, Lamine Yamal, Simone Biles, Jake Paul and Nico Williams.
Pandya's performance in international cricket in 2024
Looking at the Baroda cricketer's performance in international cricket in 2024, he played 17 T20Is and scored 352 runs at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 150.42, with a best of 50*. With the ball, he claimed 16 wickets at an average of 26.25 and an economy rate of 8.23, with a best of 3-20. He did not feature in any ODIs as he was rested for the three-match series in Sri Lanka.