Indian cricket in 2025: From women’s WC triumph to Test setbacks

The men’s team claimed the ICC Champions Trophy (ODI) and the Asia Cup (T20), while the women delivered the most significant moment of the year by lifting their first-ever 50-over World Cup trophy.

However, the sheen of success dimmed considerably in Test cricket. India suffered a 0-2 home series defeat against South Africa, a result that exposed lingering weaknesses in the longest format under head coach Gautam Gambhir, who remained combative in both victory and defeat.

While the year brought notable white-ball success, the Test struggles were not isolated. A look back at the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy explains why.

India lost the series 1-3, marking the end of Test careers for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ravichandran Ashwin had already retired midway through the Australia tour late last year.

Despite speculation around their ODI futures, Rohit and Kohli made their intentions clear by featuring in domestic cricket, in line with BCCI mandates.

Another long-time Test mainstay, Cheteshwar Pujara, formally retired from international cricket, leaving a void in the middle order that remains unresolved.

India entered the new World Test Championship (2025–27) cycle under new captain Shubman Gill, supported by a group of emerging players. Results so far have been mixed.

The campaign began on a promising note. A relatively young Indian side drew the five-match away Test series in England 2-2, with Gill leading from the front.

He amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries — the second-highest tally by a captain in a series, behind Don Bradman’s 810 in the 1936–37 Ashes.

Building on that momentum, India secured a 2-0 home series win against the West Indies, suggesting a smooth transition into a new era.

That optimism, however, proved short-lived.

South Africa setback exposes cracks

A well-prepared South Africa side, led by a settled Temba Bavuma, ended a 25-year wait to win a Test series in India. Off-spinner Simon Harmer played a decisive role, repeatedly troubling Indian batters.

The defeat echoed India’s struggles against New Zealand spinners at home last year, highlighting a recurring vulnerability against spin.

Once a fortress where even the world’s greatest spinners struggled, Indian conditions have now become testing for home batters, with even modest targets — including 124 — proving unreachable.

India currently sit sixth on the WTC points table. With challenging tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand scheduled for 2026, a place in the final now appears distant unless swift course correction follows.

White-ball dominance remains intact

In contrast, India’s white-ball performances remained assured. The team went unbeaten in both the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in Dubai, reaffirming their dominance in ODIs and T20Is, particularly in familiar conditions.

Those victories also offered Gambhir some breathing space amid Test disappointments.

With both men’s and women’s teams preparing for T20 World Cups, performances in 2025 provide reason for optimism heading into 2026.

Women define the year

In many ways, 2025 belonged to women’s cricket. The Under-19 team set the tone by successfully defending their T20 World Cup title in February.

The senior team, long challenged by Australia, New Zealand and England in global events, broke new ground in the 50-over World Cup.

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated Australia and New Zealand before overcoming South Africa in the final to clinch their maiden ICC title.

The win has already resulted in higher domestic match fees announced by the BCCI and increased endorsement opportunities for players, marking a significant step forward for a section of the sport that once struggled for funding and visibility.

Administrative changes

Off the field, Indian cricket also saw changes in administration. Former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas replaced Roger Binny as BCCI president, alongside several new faces.

Multiple state associations witnessed leadership shifts, with former players such as Sourav Ganguly and Venkatesh Prasad returning to administrative roles.

Diplomatic strain spills onto the field

India-Pakistan diplomatic ties deteriorated sharply following the Pahalgam terror attack and a subsequent military operation. The fallout extended to cricket.

Following BCCI directions, Indian players declined handshakes with Pakistan during the Asia Cup and refused to accept the winners’ trophy, as it was to be presented by Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi.

Naqvi, who heads the Asian Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board, has since kept the trophy at the ACC office in Dubai, stating it would be handed over only in a media-covered ceremony.

Tragedy amid triumph

The year also witnessed one of Indian cricket’s darkest off-field moments. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title after 18 years, but celebrations turned tragic when a stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 fans dead and 56 injured.

The stadium has not hosted a major match since. RCB’s management faced criticism for urging fans to attend celebrations without adequate security clearances, highlighting broader concerns around crowd management and spectator safety at Indian venues.

(With inputs from agencies)