Indian cricket in 2025 lived through one of its most emotionally complex years. On one hand, it delivered historic triumphs across men’s and women’s formats. On the other, it faced leadership transitions, geopolitical controversies, and a heartbreaking tragedy that forced the sport to confront safety and responsibility beyond the boundary rope. These ten stories defined Indian cricket’s year on and off the field.
1. India Wins ICC Champions Trophy
The India national cricket team reaffirmed its dominance in white-ball cricket by winning a record third ICC Champions Trophy. India went unbeaten through the competition and defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Dubai. Captain Rohit Sharma anchored the title clash with a commanding 76, earning Player of the Match and setting the tone for a year of silverware.
2. Indian Women’s Team Wins Maiden ODI World Cup
History was made when the India women national cricket team lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cupco-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Led by Harmanpreet Kaurthe triumph marked a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the country. Packed stadiums, record broadcasts, and nationwide celebrations reflected the sport’s growing cultural and commercial footprint.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru End 18-Year IPL Drought
After nearly two decades of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally won their maiden Indian Premier League title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Virat Kohli’s emotional celebrations became iconic. However, the joy was overshadowed by a tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives and cast a long shadow over the historic win.
4. India Defends Asia Cup Title Amid Geopolitical Tensions
India successfully defended their Asia Cup crown, but the tournament was marred by controversy. Matches against Pakistan saw repeated no-handshake incidents, sparking global debate over sportsmanship and the “spirit of cricket.” The tensions underscored how deeply geopolitics continue to intersect with cricket in the subcontinent.
5. Rise of Teenage Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricketing world by becoming the youngest List A centurion in history. The Bihar prodigy dominated age-group and domestic competitions and emerged as Google’s most-searched Indian personality of 2025. Comparisons to past greats came quickly, but selectors and coaches urged patience as India watched the rise of a generational talent.
6. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket
Indian cricket’s red-ball era underwent a seismic shift as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket. The decision closed one of the most successful leadership chapters in Indian Test history. Shubman Gill was appointed captain, signaling a youth-driven rebuild that delivered mixed early results.
7. Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Year
Smriti Mandhana enjoyed a phenomenal year, scoring over 1,500 international runs for the second consecutive season. She registered the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman and played a defining role in India’s World Cup triumph. Mandhana’s consistency and elegance made her the face of Indian women’s cricket in 2025.
8. India–Pakistan Handshake and Trophy Controversies
The Asia Cup fallout extended beyond the field as disputes emerged during trophy presentations involving ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Refused handshakes and protocol disagreements drew intense scrutiny, illustrating how cricket continues to mirror broader diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
9. Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Challenges
As head coach, Gautam Gambhir delivered strong results in white-ball formats but faced criticism over Test cricket struggles. A rare home series loss to South Africa national cricket team intensified debates about selection, tactics, and long-term planning under his leadership.
10. IPL 2025 Stampede Tragedy
The darkest moment of the year came after RCB’s title celebrations, when a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The tragedy prompted nationwide soul-searching, sweeping safety audits, and temporary loss of hosting rights for the venue. It became a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that accompany cricket’s massive popularity in India.
A Year That Will Be Remembered
Indian cricket in 2025 delivered historic triumphs, especially in limited-overs and women’s formats, while also navigating generational change and painful lessons. It was a year that showcased the sport’s power to unite millions, but also its capacity to magnify tragedy. As India moves forward, the legacy of 2025 will shape how the game balances success, safety, and stewardship in the years ahead.
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