2025 International cricket saw action and romance, with some teams better prepared and some teams desperately searching to find some stability to get a consistent run. There were some teams that not only did well in the 2025 calendar, but they were consistent across formats, i.e in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

The teams that had a strong core in all formats in International cricket, with strong bench strength and long-term planning, dominated the 2025 International calendar, while others struggled despite having great individual talent. The year also reemphasised the importance of good, strong boards and how modern cricket needs to be run with clarity and long-term commitment.

Introduction

International cricket in 2025 saw some teams dominate and others failed . While we closely analyse the performance trend of each team in the international calendar, teams with better balance, leadership and a settled structure  dominated the game in all formats of the game. It also gives a road map for many teams to realise that there are many factors that play a role in the success or downfall of a team.

Best Teams in 2025 International Cricket Calendar

India : Setting a new bench mark

India had a stellar 2025 season both in the men’s and women’s game across all formats. The team unlike in the past did not rely on a single superstar performance for results or focused on only one format. By giving equal importance to all three formats, India was able to create a strong playing eleven in each format, which helped them become a dominating team in 2025 International cricket.

With a strong domestic structure and with the success of The Indian Premier League (IPL), Team India was able to create depth and a strong bench strength in all formats. This also meant that they identified some players who could play 1 or 2 formats and some who can be cherry picked for all three formats, keeping their workload management in check.

While the team lost a bit of the advantage in home conditions, they were able to travel well and deliver results in alien conditions.

2025 also saw India able to develop a battery of bowlers in both pace and spin.

Australia – Consistent as Always

Australia continued to excel and maintain their dominance in the longest format of the game in 2025 baring the WTC finals loss. Although plagued by injuries to key players, the team managed to maintain its dominance in all three formats.  Their consistency in all formats have been mainly  due to their world class pace attack unit. Australian cricket runs on a traditionally run structure with emphasis on strong fundamentals in an era of T20 cricket influence.

New Zealand – Maximum Utilisation of Minimal resources and still being consistent

 New Zealand delivered another stellar year of consistent performance in 2025 in all three formats. The team has been consistent with delivering on team strategies in all formats thus allowing them to be consistent without any bog names in the side.

New Zealand has maintained their consistent run in ICC tournaments.

The team also has re-emphasized that a strong team culture, smart tactical discipline and sound leadership has helped New Zealand perform well in all conditions.

South Africa – A resurgent side and the new powerhouse in cricket

2025 saw South Africa emerging as the best team with top notch performances in all three formats of the game.

After being a team with promise for many years, results over the years have been inconsistent. The tag of “ Chokers” remained with the team for many years with team surrendering to pressure and close games.

2025, however saw South Africa successfully erasing the “ Chockers” Tag with impressive wins in all three formats. Their resurgence in Test Cricket saw them become the World Test Champions beating Australia in the all important WTC Finals.

With now a strong domestic structure and the recent SAT20 franchise cricket, young batters and bowlers have emerged thus building a long term future in the game.

Sri Lanka – Strong Rebuidling phase

After the retirement of seniors and due to political unrest in the country , Sri Lankan cricket saw a low phase in their cricketing history. 2025 saw the resurgence of cricket in the Island nation  with veteran ex-cricketer, Sanath Jayasuriya  coaching a young team and helping the team to be competitive at home.  While Away games have not given them the required results, the team is a work  in progress stage and will only see the team becoming stronger in the 2026 season.

…to be continued in Part 2