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For Indian cricket fans, 2025 will be remembered not for the trophies in the cabinet, but for the uncomfortable silence that often followed the matches. It was a year that tested the patience of a cricket-crazy nation, serving up a series of lows that signalled the difficult end of a golden era. Here are the five toughest moments that defined a forgettable year.
Also Read: Year Ender 2025: 5 biggest winners in Indian cricket in 2025
1. The Australian Nightmare
The trouble began early in January. For the last two tours, Australia had been a happy hunting ground for India, but that streak came to a crashing halt. The 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a rude awakening. Losing the 5th Test in Sydney didn't just mean handing back the trophy; it ended India’s proud winning streak Down Under. It was a clear signal that the team's dominance away from home was fading.
2. Watching from the Sidelines
That loss had a domino effect. By failing to secure enough points, the team missed out on the World Test Championship Final. After playing in two consecutive finals, watching from the sidelines while South Africa lifted the mace was a bitter pill to swallow. It felt like a massive step backwards for a team that had consistently been the best in the format for years.
3. The End of an Era
But the emotional blow came in May. Following the IPL, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket. It was the moment fans knew was coming but weren't ready for. Seeing two legends walk away at the same time left a massive void in the dressing room. Their departure signalled that the team was officially in a painful transition phase, losing its two biggest leaders in one go.
4. Fortress India Breached
The struggle to fill those shoes was evident late in the year when the unthinkable happened: a home whitewash by South Africa. For over a decade, playing in India was considered the toughest challenge in world cricket. That reputation was shattered as South Africa outplayed the hosts in their own backyard, proving that the "Fortress" was no longer invincible.
5. Humiliation for the U-19s
To cap off a difficult year, the Under-19 team suffered a crushing defeat in the Asia Cup Final in December. Losing to arch-rivals Pakistan is always tough, but the manner of the defeat stung the most. Chasing a massive 348, the young side collapsed for just 156, losing by a massive 191 runs.
