Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025

The ODI cricket in 2025 has been defined by a mix of veteran resurgence and rookie brilliance. From the high-stakes battles of the Champions Trophy to the grind of bilateral series, the 50-over format thrived. Several players have not only dominated the leaderboards but have fundamentally changed the outcomes of their matches.

Consistency across varying conditions, from the spinning tracks of India to the bouncy wickets of Australia, set them apart. Their performances have provided fans with unforgettable moments, including marathon hundreds and devastating five-wicket hauls. As we reach the end of the calendar year, the race for the ICC’s top honors has narrowed down to these elite few. Each nominee brings a unique set of skills that has made them nearly impossible to ignore on the global stage. Their statistics are a testament to their dedication, technique, and the tactical evolution seen throughout this season.

Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the five premier contenders for the 2025 Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

1. Joe Root (England)

The leading run-scorer in the world for 2025, Root successfully transitioned his prolific Test form into the white-ball arena. He finished the year as the only player to cross the 800-run mark, largely due to a more aggressive approach in the middle overs.

• Runs: 808
• Average / Strike Rate: 65.77 / 95.50
• Milestones: Recorded 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries in 15 innings.
• Signature Performance: Smashed a career-best 166 off 139 balls* against the West Indies at Cardiff, the highest individual score by an Englishman in 2025.

2. Matthew Breetzke (South Africa)

2025’s breakout sensation, Breetzke has enjoyed one of the greatest introductory years in the history of the format. After a legendary debut, he became a fixture at the top of the Proteas’ order, providing both stability and high-impact scoring.

• Runs: 706
• Average / Strike Rate: 64.18 / 96.71
• Milestones: Set a world record by scoring 50+ in each of his first five ODIs.
• Signature Performance: Scored 150 on his ODI debut against New Zealand in February, breaking Desmond Haynes’ 47-year-old record for the highest score in an ODI debut.

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3. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli remains the “King” of the 50-over format. In 2025, he played a pivotal role in India securing the ICC Champions Trophy title. His year was defined by “clutch” performances in high-pressure tournament matches and consistency in away series.

• Runs: 651
• Average / Strike Rate: 65.10 / 96.15
• Milestones: Finished as India’s top scorer for the year, recording 3 centuries and 4 fifties.
• Signature Performance: Delivered a masterclass century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and ended the year with back-to-back hundreds against South Africa.

4. Matt Henry (New Zealand)

The most lethal bowler of 2025, Henry anchored the Black Caps’ attack during their run to the Champions Trophy final. His ability to extract movement in the Powerplay made him the primary threat to the world’s best opening pairs.

• Wickets: 31
• Average: 18.58
• Milestones: Finished as the top ODI wicket-taker of 2025 across all nations.
• Signature Performance: A devastating 5/42 against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final, followed by a match-winning 4/43 to sweep the series against West Indies in November.

5. Jayden Seales (West Indies)

Jayden Seales has officially arrived as the new spearhead for the Caribbean side. In a year where the West Indies sought consistency, Seales provided it with express pace and an improved tactical sense in the death overs.

• Wickets: 27
• Average / Economy: 18.14 / 5.75
• Milestones: Recorded one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul in just 12 matches.
• Signature Performance: A career-defining 6/18 against Pakistan in Trinidad, where he dismantled a world-class middle order in a single spell.

2025 ODI Statistical Summary Table

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