India ended their 2024 calendar year with a mix of successes and failures, highlighted by a T20 World Cup win and a disappointing ODI series loss. Looking ahead to 2025, India will have a packed schedule, starting with a final Test against Australia and then moving on to a limited-overs series against England. They will also prepare for the Champions Trophy, a five-match Test series against England, and a home series against South Africa. In total, India will play 18 T20Is, 9 Tests, and 12 ODIs in bilateral assignments outside of ICC and ACC tournaments.
India's 2024 Cricket Performances and Upcoming Challenges
India ended 2024 with a mixed record, securing a T20 World Cup victory but also enduring a disappointing ODI series loss. Despite the setbacks, the team remained optimistic about the upcoming year, which promises a packed schedule of matches.
Upcoming Schedule
India will kick off 2025 with a final Test match against Australia, followed by a limited-overs series against England. The year will also include preparations for the Champions Trophy, a demanding five-match Test series against England, and a home series against South Africa. In total, the team is expected to play 18 T20Is, 9 Tests, and 12 ODIs in bilateral assignments outside of ICC and ACC tournaments.
Key Matches
Test Series against England (2025)
The five-match Test series against England will be a crucial test of India's capabilities in the longest format. England has been a formidable opponent in recent years, and the series will likely be fiercely contested.
Champions Trophy (2025)
The Champions Trophy will provide India with an opportunity to demonstrate their dominance in the 50-over format. As one of the tournament favorites, India will be aiming to add another trophy to their already impressive collection.
South Africa Tour (2025)
India's home series against South Africa will be a chance to avenge their recent ODI series defeat. The Proteas are a dangerous team, particularly in their own backyard, but India will be determined to secure victory on home soil.
Top 5 FAQs on India vs England
1. What was the result of the India vs England Test series in 2022? India won the four-match series 3-1.
2. Who was awarded the Player of the Series in the 2022 Test series? Ravindra Jadeja received the award for his outstanding all-round performance.
3. Has India ever lost to England in a Test series in India? Yes, England won the four-match Test series in India in 2012-13 by a margin of 2-1.
4. Which is the most memorable Test match played between India and England? The 2008 Mumbai Test match, known as the "Sachin Tendulkar Final Test," stands out as one of the most thrilling and iconic Test matches between the two teams.
5. What is the current head-to-head record in Test matches between India and England? India has won 34 Test matches, England has won 32, and 25 matches have ended in draws.
After their first victory in the opening match of the series, the Indian cricket team's celebration in different groups has raised eyebrows and brought to light potential divisions within the team. While some senior members, like head coach Gautam Gambhir, enjoyed a quiet meal with their families, younger players were seen gathering later at night. A reserve player even voiced his concerns about being left out of team discussions, showing possible tensions within the team.
Real Madrid faced off against Valencia in LaLiga with Ferland Mendy starting in the left-back position. However, many Madridistas were dissatisfied with this choice and took to social media to voice their disappointment. Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on Barcelona's recent dip in form, stating that all three of the top teams in LaLiga have a fair chance at winning the title. Real Madrid currently sits second in the league and a win against Valencia would bring them to the top spot.
Vidarbha's Karun Nair sets a new record for the most runs in a row without being dismissed in a match during the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament. The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 542 runs before finally being dismissed for 112 against Uttar Pradesh. This breaks the previous List A record for most consecutive runs scored.
The decision of Rohit Sharma being 'rested' for the fifth Test in Sydney has led to uproar in the Indian cricket community. At 37 years old, this may be the end of Sharma's Test career. The retirements of Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is and the mid-series retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin have sparked a transition phase in Indian cricket. Reports state that there was a communication breakdown between the skipper and the head coach, leading to Sharma's exclusion.
Despite being the poster boy of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli continues to struggle with his batting form during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With his recent dismissal off an outside-off delivery, Kohli has now recorded the second-lowest average in Test cricket among mainstream batters since 2024. In contrast, the top three spots in this list are occupied by bowlers, raising questions about Kohli's technique and form.
West Indian batting sensation Sherfane Rutherford has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award for his incredible performances in 2024. Despite playing away from home, Rutherford showed his explosive batting style and impressive consistency, scoring three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, followed by a stunning 54 (36) against England and a match-winning 113 (80) against Bangladesh. With a strike rate of 107.36 and a dismissal of just one, Rutherford has proven himself as one of the most promising players in ODI cricket.
The fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 test at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw a fiery encounter between India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's Sam Konstas. The stand-in captain for the Indian team charged towards Konstas after taking a wicket, creating an intense rivalry between the two. Despite a low-scoring day with India being bowled out for 185, the excitement and tension between the players on both sides set the tone for a thrilling second day.
In his debut match, all-rounder Beau Webster discussed the daunting task of facing India's Jasprit Bumrah on the seam-friendly SCG pitch. While Australia struggles at 9 for one and Bumrah secures his first wicket, Webster emphasizes the importance of a strong first innings score to set a solid foundation for his team.
Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant accused Australian opener Sam Konstas of trying to waste time during the last few minutes of playing on Friday. The heated confrontation between Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas took place when Bumrah started his over just a few minutes before the allotted time for Stumps. Pant, who was behind the stumps, claims that he couldn't hear what was said but believes that Australia's intention was to avoid facing another Indian over. Although they were successful in doing so, Bumrah managed to get a vital wicket before Stumps was called. Fellow Australian all-rounder Beau Webster hopes that Konstas can back up his confident words with a strong performance on Saturday.
Temba Bavuma of South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first against Pakistan in the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town. Pakistan, who have struggled in their previous matches against South Africa, will be desperate to pick up some wickets and maintain their momentum. However, they have conceded 69 runs in the first hour and are running low on patience and energy. Despite a brief comeback in the second hour, the visitors are still struggling to string together some dot balls and pick up wickets.