India’s 2025 Cricket Year: Wins, Losses, and Highlights

India’s finest achievement of the year came at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they remained unbeaten across five matches to lift the title for the third time, after 2002 and 2013. Played entirely in Dubai, India’s campaign was built on composure in chases, spin control through the middle overs, and batting depth that refused to crack under pressure.

India topped Group A with six points. Against Bangladesh on February 20, they chased down 229 with six wickets and 21 balls to spare, highlighted by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century. The clash against Pakistan on February 23 was another controlled pursuit, as India hunted down 242 with six wickets in hand after dismissing Pakistan for 241. The final group match against New Zealand showcased India’s bowling depth, defending 249 comfortably with Varun Chakaravarthy claiming five wickets.

In the semifinal against Australia, India chased 265 in 48.1 overs, powered by Virat Kohli’s 84 and Shreyas Iyer’s steady 45. Mohammed Shami’s three-wicket haul earlier ensured Australia never broke free. The final against New Zealand followed a familiar script. India chased 252 with four wickets remaining, Rohit Sharma’s authoritative 76 setting the platform for a composed finish.

The Champions Trophy victory was a template-driven triumph. Strong starts, adaptable middle overs, and spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Chakaravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja dictating tempo ensured India never lost control.

Women’s World Cup 2025: History Finally Rewritten

If the Champions Trophy reaffirmed India’s strength, the Women’s World Cup rewrote history. India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025, ending a 47-year wait and exorcising the pain of final losses in 2005 and 2017.

The tournament, hosted in India from September 30 to November 2, culminated in a commanding final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. India posted 298 for 7 after being put in to bat, driven by Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 off 78 balls and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58. The opening stand between Shafali and Smriti Mandhana crossed 100, setting the tone early.

South Africa’s reply began steadily but unravelled sharply. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century, the chase collapsed from 209 for 5 to 246 all out. Deepti Sharma’s spell of 5 for 39 turned the final decisively, earning her a central role in India’s triumph. Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her all-round impact.

Beyond the numbers, this win mattered because of what it symbolised. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, India’s fearless batting intent, and tactical clarity under pressure finally aligned on the biggest stage. It was not sentimental. It was authoritative.

Asia Cup 2025: Unbeaten and Unforgiving

India’s white ball dominance extended into the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, where they won all seven matches to secure a record-extending ninth title. The final, played in Dubai on September 28, saw India defeat Pakistan by five wickets in a measured chase.

The group stage was ruthless. The UAE were bowled out for 57 and chased down inside ten overs. Pakistan were dismantled again in a comfortable chase, while Oman were restricted and beaten by 21 runs. In the Super Fours, India chased 172 against Pakistan with ease, defeated Bangladesh by 41 runs, and survived a thriller against Sri Lanka that ended in a Super Over win.

The final against Pakistan was a showcase of control. Kuldeep Yadav’s four for 30 restricted Pakistan to 146, and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 ensured India crossed the line with two balls to spare. This Asia Cup was not about last minute heroics. It was about India setting standards and forcing opponents to play catch up.

Test Cricket Reality Check: South Africa’s Historic Whitewash

For all the white ball brilliance, India’s Test campaign suffered a brutal collapse at home. South Africa scripted history with a 2 0 whitewash in November 2025, their first Test series win in India since 2000 01, ending India’s 12-year home dominance.

The first Test at Eden Gardens was chaotic. On a turning pitch, South Africa scored 159 and 153. India replied with 189 but collapsed to 93 chasing 124, losing by 30 runs. The defeat exposed India’s recurring issue with quality spin under pressure.

The second Test at Guwahati was even more damaging. South Africa piled on 489 and declared on 260 for 5, setting India an impossible 549. India folded for 201 and 140, losing by 408 runs, their heaviest defeat by runs in Test history. Simon Harmer’s nine-wicket match haul and Marco Jansen’s first innings burst dismantled India completely.

The absence of captain Shubman Gill due to injury mattered, but it was not an excuse. South Africa’s spinners outthought India on turning tracks, exposing technical fragility and mental fatigue. This series was not a blip. It was a warning.

Fifth Test vs England: Redemption at The Oval

India ended their Test year on a dramatic high with a six-run victory over England in the fifth Test at The Oval in August 2025, levelling the series 2-2 and retaining pride.

India’s totals of 224 and 396 gave England a target of 374. England fought hard, reaching 339 for 6 on the final day. Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul, including the final dismissal of Gus Atkinson with a searing yorker, sealed India’s narrowest Test win ever. Prasidh Krishna’s four wickets across the final two days ensured pressure never eased.

The finish was pure Test drama. Rain threats, umpire calls, and Chris Woakes batting with a dislocated shoulder added layers of tension. Ravindra Jadeja’s athletic fielding and Siraj’s redemption after earlier mistakes defined the closing moments. It was a reminder that India still knew how to fight when pushed to the edge.

India’s 2025 was not about balance. It was about contrast. White ball cricket confirmed India’s depth, adaptability, and tactical maturity. Test cricket, especially at home, exposed cracks that can no longer be ignored. The trophies will be remembered. So will the collapse.

If 2025 proved anything, it is this: India are unbeatable when clarity meets execution, and painfully vulnerable when complacency creeps in. The challenge ahead is not talent. It is honesty.