B D Narayankar
Bengaluru, Dec 30 (UNI) 2025 proved to be a landmark year for Indian cricket, marked by historic victories and record-breaking performances, albeit with some heartbreaking losses.
The year began with a resounding triumph for the Indian men’s cricket team as they clinched the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. On March 9, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final held in Dubai, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a vital 76 runs in the final and earning the Player of the Match award. This victory marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, reaffirming their stature as a force to be reckoned with in global cricket.
A historic milestone was achieved in women’s cricket when India hosted and won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. From late September to November 2, India’s women’s team showcased exceptional talent and determination, culminating in a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai. This was India’s first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup win, representing a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the country and inspiring a new generation of players across the nation.
The excitement continued in September when India retained the Asia Cup (T20) title, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets on September 28 in another high-profile clash in Dubai. This victory extended India’s record with a ninth Asia Cup triumph, further cementing their dominance in the T20 format in the continent. The win was widely celebrated across the nation, with fans applauding the resilience and skill of the players in yet another tense encounter against Pakistan.
January saw India dominate, winning the T20I and ODI series against England 4-1 and 3-0, respectively.
The two teams played another bilateral series this year. With ageing warhorses Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli calling time on the longest format of the game ahead of the five-match away Test series against England, the young Shubman Gill was anointed the new skipper, ushering in a new era in Indian cricket.
Later in the year, India defeated West Indies 2-0 in a test series, but went down to Australia Down Under in the ODI series. However, they recovered to defeat the Kangaroos in the following five-game T20I series.
The Indians touched their lowest ebb towards the end of the year, going down 2-0 in the Test series to South Africa at home.
On the domestic front, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier List A competition, saw Karnataka emerge as champions earlier in the year. Later in December, Bihar made headlines by setting a new highest team total in List A history, scoring an astonishing 574/6 in a Vijay Hazare Plate Group match. This performance highlighted the increasing competitiveness of domestic cricket and the emergence of new talent capable of setting global benchmarks.
Globally, the cricketing landscape in 2025 was equally dynamic. South Africa emerged victorious in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June, while England achieved a landmark Ashes Test win in Australia late in the year.
In retrospect, 2025 will be remembered as a defining year for Indian cricket. The success in major ICC tournaments, record-breaking domestic feats, and the rise of new talent created a narrative of excellence and resilience. Both men’s and women’s teams not only lifted prestigious trophies but also inspired millions across the country.
Indian cricket in 2025: A historic year but not without some roller coasters
