New Delhi

In India, Cricket is religion with a massive fan following across religions or territorial boundaries. While 2025 took Indian cricket to the pinnacle of success in some areas, it also marked a regression in others and brought an end to the 'Star Culture' while valuing talent.

In February, India achieved a historic victory in the Champions Trophy held in Dubai under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. The tournament was originally scheduled in Pakistan, but due to India's objection, it was played in the UAE. The Indian team remained undefeated throughout the tournament to lift the trophy. In the final against New Zealand, Rohit played a decisive knock of 76 runs under pressure, proving his worth as an 'Invincible Captain'.

But fate works in mysterious ways. Immediately after conquering the world, keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind, Rohit Sharma was removed from the captaincy. Questions were raised not just about his leadership, but also about the place of both Rohit and Virat Kohli in the team. However, both legends silenced their critics with their bats. Subsequently, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India asserted undisputed dominance over the Asia Cup as well.

Farewell to Legends

The year 2025 will be remembered for the Test retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the most beloved players after Sachin Tendulkar. Even before the squad selection for the England tour in July, these two took the shocking decision to end their Test careers. Their loss of form in the home series against Australia and New Zealand likely contributed to this retirement. Still, it was hard for fans to imagine Test cricket without these two giants.

Legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the field during the TY-29 World Cup

Disgrace in Test Cricket

The Indian team, which once reached the final of the World Test Championship, has now slipped to the sixth position, even behind Pakistan. India had not lost a series at home against South Africa in the last two decades, but this year they suffered a humiliating 0-2 'whitewash'. The fact that New Zealand and South Africa have found the formula to beat India in India is a major cause for concern for the soul of Test cricket. Thanks to Mohammed Siraj's fighting spirit, the series in England ended in a 2-2 draw; otherwise, India would have faced embarrassment there too.

Women's 'Golden Year' and World Victory

2025 truly proved to be a milestone year for Indian women's cricket. The women's team, which often faced a slip between cup and the lip moment each time, created history by clinching the World Cup. The journey was not easy. When opener Pratika Rawal got injured, Shafali Verma got an unexpected opportunity, and she struck gold with an explosive innings in the final.

Captain of the India Women's Cricket team Smriti Mandhana holding the World Cup with President Droupadi Murmu

Despite having experience, Jemmimah Rodrigues fought like a tigress against mighty Australia after being dropped from a match. All this was not a coincidence but the result of immense hard work. This 'Phoenix rise' of the women's team in 2025 will be written in golden letters. Now the challenge will be against themselves rather than the opponents, because from here on, they will step onto the field as 'World Champions'.

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In short, 2025 gave a lot to Indian cricket and took away some crucial things too. While India's dominance in white-ball cricket remains intact, the decline in Tests needs to be taken seriously. Women's cricket has experienced a new dawn, while a major era has set in men's cricket. The team now faces the massive challenge of proving its dominance in the T20 World Cup to be held in England in the New Year.