Jobaaj Stories
After a disappointing end to 2024, the Indian men’s cricket team is looking to begin 2025 on a strong note as they face Australia in the final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India trails 1-2 in the series, making the fifth Test a crucial match. This year will also be packed with important tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy in February and the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Later, India will tour England for a five-match Test series.
One of the biggest talking points for 2025 will be the future of star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both have struggled with form recently, leading to discussions about their role in the team, especially in Test cricket. While former coach Ravi Shastri believes Kohli still has more to offer, others think Jasprit Bumrah could take over leadership in the red-ball format. The series against England in August will likely play a key role in deciding their future in Test cricket, as India cannot afford to send an inexperienced batting lineup for such a tough tour.
The ICC Champions Trophy will also be a major focus for India. After failing to win the ODI World Cup at home in 2023, the team will be hungry for a big title. Kohli and Rohit will need to lead from the front if India hopes to claim victory. However, their recent ODI performances raise questions. In a series against Sri Lanka in 2024, Rohit performed well, scoring 157 runs in three matches. In contrast, Kohli struggled, managing just 58 runs.
The road ahead for the duo might depend on their form and how much trust the team management places in their abilities. Both players may aim to continue in ODIs until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, but only time will tell if they can maintain their spots.
India’s performance this year could also signal further changes. The sudden exit of Ravichandran Ashwin during the Gautam Gambhir-led era shows the team isn’t afraid to make tough decisions. If results don’t improve, 2025 could see more legends saying silent goodbyes as the team builds for the future.
With big tournaments and tough challenges ahead, 2025 will be a defining year for Indian cricket. Fans will hope the team can rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances.
