Top 5 Contenders for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025

ODI cricket in 2025 has been defined by a mix of veteran resurgence and rookie brilliance. High-stakes battles Champions Trophy at the rate of bilateral series, the 50+ format has flourished. Several players not only topped the leaderboards, but fundamentally changed the results of their matches.

Consistency under varying conditions, from the rotating traces of India at the inflatable ticket counters Australiaseparate them. Their performances have given fans unforgettable moments, including marathon hundreds and devastating five-wicket hauls. As we approach the end of the calendar year, the race for the ICC’s top honors has narrowed down to an elite few. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills that make them almost impossible to ignore on the world stage. Their statistics testify to their dedication, their technique and the tactical evolution observed throughout this season.

Top 5 Contenders for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025

Here is a complete list of the top five contenders for the 2025 Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award.

1. Joe Root (England)

The world’s leading run-scorer for 2025, Root has successfully transitioned from his prolific Test form to the white-ball arena. He finished the year as the only player to break the 800-point mark, thanks in large part to a more aggressive approach in the intermediates.

• Works: 808
• Average/strike rate: 65.77 / 95.50
• Milestones: Recorded 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries in 15 innings.
• Iconic performances: Broke a career record 166 off 139 balls* against the West Indies in Cardiff, highest individual score achieved by an Englishman in 2025.

2. Matthew Breetzke (South Africa)

A marquee sensation of 2025, Breetzke had one of the greatest breakout years in the history of the format. After a legendary debut, he became a fixture in the Proteas order, providing both stability and high-impact scoring.

• Works: 706
• Average/strike rate: 64.18 / 96.71
• Milestones: Set a world record by scoring 50+ in each of his first five ODIs.
• Iconic performances: Brand 150 on ODI debut against New Zealand in February, breaking Desmond Haynes’ 47-year-old record for the highest score on ODI debut.

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3. Virat Kohli (India)

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

• Works: 651
• Average/strike rate: 65.10 / 96.15
• Milestones: Finished India’s top scorer of the year, recording 3 centuries and 4 fifty.
• Iconic performances: Delivered a masterclass century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and ended the year with hundreds in a row against South Africa.

4. Matt Henry (New Zealand)

The deadliest 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 has made him the main threat to the world’s best opening pairs.

• Counters: 31
• Average: 6:58 p.m.
• Milestones: Finished like the top ODI wicket-taker of 2025 in all nations.
• Iconic performances: A devastating 5/42 against India in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, followed by a match-winning 4/43 to sweep the series against the West Indies in November.

5. Jayden Seales (West Indies)

Jayden Seales has officially arrived as the new spearhead of the Caribbean side. In a year when West Indies were looking for consistency, Seales brought them express pace and improved tactical sense in the death overs.

• Counters: 27
• Average / Economy: 6:14 p.m. / 5:75 p.m.
• Milestones: Recorded a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul in just 12 matches.
• Iconic performances: A defining career 6/18 against Pakistan in Trinidad, where he dismantled a world-class middle order in a single spell.

ODI 2025 statistical summary table

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