As 2025 wraps up, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has sparked lively debates by ranking Team India‘s top five defining moments in cricket. In his latest YouTube video ‘Top 5 Moments of 2025’ on the Aakash Chopra channel, the popular analyst dives into a year packed with triumphs across formats, from domestic glory to ICC silverware. His picks celebrate emotional breakthroughs and unexpected resilience, reflecting on how these events shaped Indian cricket’s narrative.
Aakash Chopra reveals India’s five biggest highlights of 2025
Starting at No. 5, Chopra slots Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) maiden IPL 2025 title win after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in Ahmedabad. RCB posted 190/9, with PBKS falling short at 184/7 despite Shashank Singh‘s defiant 61 not out.
“IPL is our tournament, and stories there touch our hearts. Any team winning for the first time is beautiful,” he said, highlighting Virat Kohli‘s long wait ending after 18 seasons and key contributions from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood in the tense final overs.
No. 4 goes to India’s gritty 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series against England, a feat that defied low expectations post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s retirements. Under Shubman Gill‘s young captaincy, highlights included Rishabh Pant‘s twin centuries, Gill’s fifty at Edgbaston, and a thrilling six-run win at The Oval.
“It exceeded expectations with such a youthful side,” Chopra emphasized, praising the tour’s “box office” drama.
At No. 3, the unbeaten 2025 Asia Cup triumph shines, where India thrashed Pakistan thrice—capping with a five-wicket final chase of 147 despite slumping to 20/3. Tilak Varma‘s match-winning 69* off 53, alongside Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33), sealed it with two balls left after Kuldeep Yadav‘s 4/30 bowled Pakistan out for 146.
“Held nerves without clutch player Hardik Pandya,” he added about the dominant run.
Chopra ranks the Champions Trophy at No. 2, India’s first ODI ICC title since 2013, won via hybrid model with all matches in Dubai. They chased New Zealand‘s 251/7 for a four-wicket victory (254/6), powered by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, after group-stage wins over top sides.
“Distinct Dubai advantage, but we won convincingly,” he acknowledged.
India’s women created a moment to remember by lifting the World Cup in truly commanding fashion, sealing a historic triumph against South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai. Batting first in the final, India built a solid platform thanks to an attacking yet controlled innings from Shafali Verma, who smashed a fluent 87 at the top. She was well supported by Deepti Sharma, whose calm and assured 58 steadied the innings in the middle overs. Their efforts helped India post an imposing total of 298 for 7, a score that always looked challenging on a big-match evening.
South Africa began the chase with intent, led by a brilliant century from Laura Wolvaardt, who fought valiantly to keep her team in the contest. However, wickets kept falling around her, and the pressure of the final slowly told. India’s bowlers-maintained discipline and energy, eventually bowling the Proteas out for 246. The 52-run victory not only sealed the title but also underlined India’s dominance on the biggest stage, marking a golden chapter in the history of Indian women’s cricket.
“Surreal like men’s 1983; cricket will never be the same,” Chopra hailed, crediting Harmanpreet Kaur‘s squad resurgence.
