Former Indian cricketer and noted commentator in a year that saw the shortest format of the game reach new heights in powerful and tactical mystery Abhinav Mukund Presented the Best T20I XI of 2025.
The former cricketer reveals the best XI of the T20I format for 2025
While the list shows plenty of Indian stars dominating the 2025 calendar, the biggest talking point is the lack of high profile ones. jasprit bumrah. Despite Bumrah’s impressive show, Mukund opted for a bowling attack based on current form and the unique impact the players have shown over the last twelve months. The pack is a mix of explosive opening power, middle order stability and a bowling unit that features some of the most successful ‘resurgent’ stars of 2025.
Top notch ft. Abhishek Sharma
Mukund’s opening duo epitomizes the ‘fearless’ brand of cricket that defines 2025. Abhishek Sharma His record 135 off 54 balls against England takes pole position after a year. Its partner is Sri Lanka Pathum NissankaAn epitome of consistency, he finished the year with 2345 career T20I runs and a brilliant 107 against India in the Asia Cup.
of England If Buttler takes the third place. Although he balanced his national duty with the IPL, Buttler’s 2025 T20I strike rate remained formidable at around 149, providing the perfect bridge between powerplay and medium overs.
- Abhishek Sharma in 2025: 21 matches | 859 runs | 193.46 strike rate
- Pathum Nissanka in 2025: 18 matches | 625 runs | 149.16 strike rate
- Jos Buttler in 2025: 15 matches | 480 runs | 164.38 strike rate
Young arms and all-around depth
The middle order is dominated by India’s new age superstars. Tilak Varma Finds a spot after a prolific year highlighted by a stunning 73 off 42 against South Africa in December. He is followed by the “finisher” duo Tim David and the South African sensation Devald Brewis. Brevis, nicknamed ‘Baby AB’, really burst onto the international scene in 2025, scoring a record-breaking 125 off 56 balls* against Australia – the highest individual T20I score for South Africa.
He heads the comprehensive department Hardik Pandyawho enjoyed vintage 2025. Pandya over Yuvraj SinghRecord for the most ’50+ runs and 1+ wicket’ double in T20Is, he finished the December series against the Proteas with 142 runs at an amazing strike rate of 186.84.
- Tilak Varma in 2025: 20 matches | 567 runs | 129.15 strike rate
- Tim David in 2025: 14 matches | 395 runs | 197.50 strike rate
- Dewald Brevis in 2025: 17 matches | 464 runs | 176.42 strike rate
- Hardik Pandya in 2025: 15 matches | 302 runs | 153.29 strike rate
Also READ: Harsha Bhogle named Test Team of 2025, Pat Cummins captained
Bowling attack without Jasprit Bumrah
The most controversial aspect of the XI is the omission of Bumrah. Instead, Mukund rewarded New Zealand’s sheer wicketkeeping volume Jacob Duffy and of India Varun Chakraborty. Notably, Bumrah had a strong year in T20Is in 2025, becoming only the second Indian to reach the 100-run milestone and performing exceptionally well in various series. He ended the year as India’s third highest T20I wicket-taker.
Chakaravarthy also had a phenomenal year in T20Is in 2025, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker and the highest among all Test-playing nations with 36 wickets. His excellent performance made him the world’s No. 1 T20I bowler and earned him the Player of the Series award in the home series against South Africa. Duffy also became the World No. 1 T20I bowler in April 2025 following Pakistan’s 4/14 demolition. His impressive performance made him the first Kiwi player to take more than 30 T20I wickets in a calendar year. Mukund also left Mohammad Nawaz and Mustafizur Rahman to complete the bowling attack.
- Varun Chakravarthy in 2025: 20 matches | 36 doors | 5/24 BBI
- Jacob Duffy in 2025: 21 matches | 35 doors | 4/14 BBI
- Muhammad Nawaz in 2025: 26 matches | 36 doors | 5/19 BBI
- Mustafizur Rahman 2025: 20 matches | 26 doors | 3/11 BBI
Abhinav Mukund’s Best T20I XI of 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Pathum Nisaanka, Jos Buttler, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nawaz, Jacob Duffy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mustafizur Rahman
Also READ: Abhinav Mukund announces best Test XI for 2025; names Temba Bavuma as captain
