In a year when the world was focused on weight-loss injections and getting fitter, Indian cricket also made some bold and surprising changes. The year 2025 will be remembered as a turning point when Indian cricket took decisions that were very different from its usual approach.
For the first time in many years, India decided to move away from its biggest stars. Senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were informed that they would no longer be part of the Test team. This marked the end of an era, as both players had been the backbone of India’s success in red-ball cricket for over a decade.
The changes did not stop there. Towards the end of the year, just about a month before the T20 World Cup to be held in India, another shocking decision was taken. Shubman Gill, who was not only the Test and ODI captain but also the vice-captain in T20 Internationals, was dropped from the team.
These moves signalled a clear shift in Indian cricket’s thinking. Instead of relying on reputation and experience alone, selectors showed that performance, fitness, and future planning would take priority. The decisions were risky and controversial, but they showed a strong intent to rebuild and prepare a new core for the future.
Whether these bold steps will bring long-term success remains to be seen, but 2025 will surely be remembered as the year Indian cricket chose change over comfort.