The year 2024 was full of ups and downs for the Indian cricket team. Whether it was the T20 series against Afghanistan or the home Test series against England, India proved its dominance. The highlight of the year came in June when India ended its ICC title drought by winning the T20 World Cup. However, losses in the home Test series against New Zealand and trailing in the five-match Test series against Australia brought some disappointment. Despite this, Team India faces several big challenges in 2025.
India Ended 2024 with a Loss
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Team India concluded 2024 with a defeat. They lost the fourth Test match against Australia in Melbourne, trailing 1-2 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, India will kick off 2025 with the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, starting on January 3. This match will be a must-win for India to retain the trophy and keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Challenges from England to Champions Trophy
India will start the year by hosting England for a limited-overs series. From January 22 to February 12, the two teams will play five T20Is and three ODIs. Following this, India will participate in the Champions Trophy, which will be played in the ODI format. Although it was initially scheduled to be held in Pakistan, the BCCI refused to travel there. As a result, the ICC decided to shift India’s matches to Dubai. India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 but lost to Pakistan in the 2017 final.
India’s hopes of qualifying for the WTC final became challenging after the loss against Australia, but the door isn’t completely shut. If India wins the fifth Test against Australia, they will also need Australia to lose the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. If this scenario plays out, India could qualify for the WTC final, which is scheduled to be held in London from June 11 to June 15 against South Africa.
England and Bangladesh Tours
From June to August, India will tour England for a five-match Test series. This series will be a part of the 2025–2027 WTC cycle. Following the England tour, India will travel to Bangladesh in August for three ODIs and three T20Is. The dates and venues for this series are yet to be announced.
West Indies Series and Asia Cup Challenge
After the Bangladesh tour, India will host West Indies for a two-match Test series in October. The dates and venues are yet to be confirmed. Following this, India will participate in the T20 Asia Cup, scheduled for October–November. The tournament will be hosted in India and will feature six teams. As the defending champions, India will aim to retain their title. The Asia Cup will also serve as a preparation ground for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Limited-Overs Series Against Australia
Towards the end of 2025, India will once again face Australia in a limited-overs series at home. Scheduled for November, the series will include three ODIs and five T20Is.
India to Play All Formats Against South Africa
India will wrap up 2025 with an all-formats series against South Africa at home. This series, scheduled for November–December, will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
With a packed calendar featuring multiple tournaments and bilateral series, 2025 promises to be a challenging yet exciting year for Team India.