Mumbai: The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, delivered a stellar performance to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final held in Dubai. With this victory, India has now secured the Champions Trophy title for the third time.
Following this triumph, fans are eager to know about Team India’s next mission. However, the Men in Blue will now enjoy a three-month-long break, with no international championships or bilateral series scheduled during this period.
Rohit Sharma Returns to Mumbai Post-Triumph
After securing India’s second ICC trophy in nine months, skipper Rohit Sharma has returned to Mumbai. The players will have a week-long rest before joining their respective franchises for the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 22.
Unlike the grand felicitation ceremony held after India’s T20 World Cup victory, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no plans for an official celebration this time. Given the rigorous schedule ahead, players are prioritizing rest before plunging into the IPL.
IPL 2025: The Next Challenge
There is little time for players to unwind as they gear up for the much-anticipated IPL 2025. The tournament will run from March 22 to May 25, featuring ten teams playing a total of 74 matches across 13 venues in India. While Team India is on a three-month international break, the players will remain occupied with their IPL commitments.
A Challenging Two-Year Cycle Begins with England Tour
Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach eight months ago following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, now faces a crucial period. The Champions Trophy victory offers a moment of relief, but Gambhir must now navigate a demanding two-year phase, beginning with the England Test series.
Post-IPL, the team will have minimal preparation time before embarking on a five-match Test series against England. Following that, India will defend its T20 World Cup title in the 2026 edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The ultimate challenge will be the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
India-England Test Series Schedule (2025)
- June 20-24: First Test, Headingley, Leeds
- July 2-6: Second Test, Birmingham
- July 10-14: Third Test, Lord’s, London
- July 23-27: Fourth Test, Manchester
- July 31-August 4: Fifth Test, The Oval, London
With a packed calendar ahead, Indian cricket enters a crucial phase of transition and preparation for major global tournaments.
