Google has released its annual Year in Search 2025, revealing the most searched topics across various categories globally and country-wise. In cricket-loving Pakistan—where stars like Babar Azam and Virat Kohli usually dominate online trends—the list surprisingly crowned a different name as the most searched athlete of 2025. And it wasn’t a Pakistani superstar or one of India’s veteran icons.

The top spot in Pakistan was claimed by young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, surpassing household names like Kohli, Babar, and Shaheen Afridi.

Why Abhishek Sharma Dominated Pakistan’s Search Trends

Abhishek Sharma’s sudden rise to fame in Pakistan can be attributed to his explosive performances during the Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan met three times in just 15 days. His fearless batting style and aggressive strokeplay particularly grabbed attention.

His standout knocks against Pakistan:

• 31 off 13 balls (League stage)
• 74 off 39 balls (Super Four)
• Final: 5 runs, but India won thanks to Tilak Varma’s heroics

The biggest talking point was his ruthless attack on Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi, scoring heavily off him in the powerplay overs in both major matches. Pakistani fans and analysts were left stunned as Abhishek dismantled their bowling attack with ease.

This high-voltage rivalry ensured Abhishek’s name remained at the top of Pakistan’s Google searches throughout the year.

Most Searched Athletes in Pakistan (2025)

According to Google’s official list:

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Hassan Nawaz
3. Irfan Khan Niazi
4. Sahibzada Farhan
5. Muhammad Abbas

Surprisingly, neither Babar Azam nor Shaheen Afridi, nor even global star Virat Kohli, made it to the list.

Abhishek Sharma Among Top Google Searches in India Too

Abhishek’s popularity wasn’t limited to Pakistan. In India, he ranked third among the most searched personalities in 2025, behind:

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
2. Priyansh Arya

Both Suryavanshi and Arya enjoyed breakout seasons during the IPL 2025, which propelled their online popularity skyrocketing.

India–Pakistan Matches Not the Top Trend

Despite the usual hype around India vs. Pakistan matches, neither country listed those matches in their top trending searches. Instead:

• India’s most searched match: India vs England
• Pakistan’s most searched match: Pakistan vs South Africa

This shift highlights the increasing global interest in more competitive series and emerging cricketing narratives beyond the India–Pakistan rivalry.

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has unleashed a scathing critique of England’s performance in the ongoing Ashes 2025–26 after the visitors slumped to a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Australia extended their dominance in the series with the win, taking a commanding 2–0 lead. England, who were outplayed in all departments, have now lost both Tests inside four days—a worrying sign for a team that arrived with bold claims and a renewed “Bazball” approach.

Australia outclass England in Brisbane

The second Test, played from December 4, highlighted the growing gulf between the two sides. Australia’s disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and composed batting stood in stark contrast to England’s repeated lapses in judgment.

England faltered with:

• Reckless batting choices
• Erratic bowling lengths
• Multiple dropped catches
• Poor shot selection under pressure

The result left the touring side searching for answers as criticism poured in from former cricketers and analysts.

Boycott blasts England: “They talk the talk but can’t walk the walk”

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Geoffrey Boycott did not hold back while assessing England’s woes. He described the team’s performance in Brisbane as nothing short of a “horror show.”
“Brisbane was a horror show: irresponsible batting, bowling too short, too wide or too full, and catches dropped. This Australian team was there to be beaten, but somehow, after just six days of Ashes cricket, England need a miracle,” wrote Boycott.

He further questioned England’s pre-series buildup, where captain Ben Stokes insisted the team had been planning for this Ashes tour for four years.
“Ben Stokes said England had a blueprint. They had been planning this tour for four years and know what they are doing. What a load of bulls—. We can’t believe anything Ben or his team say.”

“They couldn’t win an egg cup” — Boycott continues his criticism

Boycott’s criticism went beyond tactics. He accused the England squad of arrogance and complacency, suggesting that the so-called “Bazball revolution” has led to overconfidence rather than consistent performance.
“England talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. With this sort of batting and bowling, they couldn’t win an egg cup, let alone the Ashes urn,” he lashed out.

“Nobody tells them off” — Boycott on Stokes’ leadership

The former England opener also questioned Ben Stokes’ captaincy, stating that the players operate without accountability, which explains repeated batting failures.
“One of the problems with this squad is it appears nobody tells them off or sits them down and discusses what they could or should have done differently. All we ever hear from the captain is attack, and from the coach, keep the faith.”

He added that England’s players have been deluded into thinking only their approach suits modern Test cricket.
“They are up their own backsides convinced that Test cricket has changed so much that only they know anything about the modern game.”

Where does England go from here?

With Australia holding the momentum and England’s confidence clearly shaken, the visitors face an uphill battle in the remaining Tests. A 2–0 deficit in Australia has historically been extremely difficult—almost impossible—to reverse.

England now need:

• Major tactical adjustments
• Better discipline with ball and bat
• Stronger leadership choices
• A more balanced approach to “Bazball,” blending aggression with strategy

The third Test will now be a crucial turning point—either England revive their Ashes hopes or suffer another chapter in Australia’s long-standing dominance at home.

As India prepares to face South Africa in the third and deciding ODI of the ongoing multi-format series, all eyes are on the Men in Blue and the lineup they might field in this crucial clash. With the series level at 1-1, the contest at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6 promises high stakes and intense competition.

Series So Far

India began the series on a strong note with a win in the first ODI in Ranchi. However, South Africa bounced back in commanding fashion in the second ODI at Raipur, producing an all-round performance to draw level.

With momentum currently shifting between both sides, the third ODI becomes the ultimate decider, adding an extra layer of pressure and excitement.

Will India Make Changes for the Series Decider?

After India’s loss in the second ODI, discussions have intensified around potential changes in the playing XI. While most of the squad is expected to remain unchanged, one name stands out for a possible swap.

Prasidh Krishna Under Pressure

Pacer Prasidh Krishna struggled heavily in the second ODI, conceding 85 runs and failing to provide breakthroughs. His performance could open the door for Nitish Kumar Reddy, the dynamic all-rounder who has impressed with both bat and ball in domestic circuits.

Adding a seam-bowling all-rounder could offer India additional balance—crucial in deciders where depth and versatility matter.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 3rd ODI

Based on current form, team combinations, and conditions in Visakhapatnam, India may opt for the following lineup:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Rohit Sharma (C)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad
5. Washington Sundar
6. KL Rahul (WK)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Nitish Kumar Reddy (likely replacement for Prasidh Krishna)
9. Harshit Rana
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Arshdeep Singh

Key Factors to Watch

1. Opening Pair Stability

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have the potential to give India an explosive start but will need to convert early momentum into a solid platform.

2. Middle-Order Resilience

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul remain central to India’s batting. Their form could dictate the pace and direction of the innings.

3. Bowling Comeback

With South Africa’s strong showing in the second ODI, the Indian bowling unit—especially the spinners—will need to bring their best to restrict the Proteas.

4. All-Round Impact

Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja could be crucial, offering both stability in the middle overs and depth in batting.

Conclusion

With the series in balance and the final ODI set to be a thriller, India’s team selection will play a decisive role. Whether India sticks to the core combination or brings in Nitish Kumar Reddy for a tactical tweak may determine the direction of the decider.

The Men in Blue will be looking to capitalize on home conditions, correct the mistakes from Raipur, and clinch the series with confidence.