ODI cricket in 2025 has been defined by a mix of veteran revival and youthful brilliance. From high stakes battles Champions Cup Over 50 formats have evolved to grind two-sided series. Several players not only dominated the leaderboards, but also fundamentally changed the outcome of their matches.
Consistency in different conditions from yarn traces India to the bouncing doors of Australiaseparate them. Their performances have given fans unforgettable moments, including hundreds of marathons and devastating five-door flights. As the calendar year draws to a close, the race for the ICC’s top honors has narrowed down to this elite few. Each candidate brings a unique skill set that makes them almost impossible to ignore on the global stage. Their statistics are a testament to their dedication, technique and tactical evolution seen this season.
Top 5 Candidates for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025
Here is a comprehensive overview of the five main contenders for the 2025 Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
1. Joe Root (England)
Root, the world’s leading run-scorer in 2025, successfully carried over his prolific Test form to the white-ball arena. He ended the year as the only player to cross the 800-run mark, largely due to a more aggressive approach in the middle overs.
- Running: 808
- Average/Holiday Rate: 65.77 / 95.50
- Stages: He scored 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries in 15 innings.
- Signature Performance: He broke his career best 166 from 139 balls* Highest individual score by an Englishman in 2025 vs West Indies at Cardiff.
2. Matthew Bretske (South Africa)
The biggest sensation of 2025, Breetzke had one of the biggest entry years in the history of the format. After a legendary debut, he became a fixture at the top of the Proteas order, providing both consistency and high-impact scoring.
- Running: 706
- Average/Holiday Rate: 64.18 / 96.71
- Stages: Set a world record by scoring goals 50+ in each of the first five ODIs.
- Signature Performance: He scored a goal 150 on ODI debut playing against New Zealand in February, he broke Desmond Haynes’ 47-year-old record for the highest score on ODI debut.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli It remains the “King” of more than 50 formats. In 2025, it played an important role in securing India ICC Champions Trophy title. His year was defined by clutch performances in high-pressure tournament matches and consistency in road series.
- Running: 651
- Average/Holiday Rate: 65.10 / 96.15
- Stages: He was named India’s top scorer of the year 3 centuries and 4 fifty.
- Signature Performance: He scored a masterclass century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and ended his year with hundreds back to back Against South Africa.
4. Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Henry, the deadliest bowler of 2025, anchored the Black Caps’ attack during their run to the Champions Trophy final. His ability to pull off the move in the powerplay has made him a major threat to the world’s top opening pairs.
- Doors: 31
- Medium: 18.58
- Stages: who finished Best ODI wicketkeeper of 2025 among all nations.
- Signature Performance: Destructive 5/42 against India in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, followed by a 4/43 win to sweep the series against the 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 West Indies have been looking for consistency, Seales has provided them with lethal pace and improved tactical sense.
- Doors: 27
- Medium / Economics: 18.14 / 5.75
- Stages: One four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul were recorded in a total of 12 matches.
- Signature Performance: A career definer 6/18 vs Pakistan In Trinidad, he dismantled the world-class middle order with a spell.
2025 ODI Statistical Summary Table
| Player | Role | Primary Stat | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | Dough | 808 runs | Highest ODI score of the year |
| Matt Breetzke | Dough | 706 runs | World record for 5 consecutive 50s |
| Virat Kohli | Dough | 651 runs | Winner of the Champions Cup / 3 Hundred |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | 31 Doors | Best average in world cricket (15.50). |
| Jayden Seales | Bowler | 27 Doors | The Best Figures of 2025 (6/18) |
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