As the 2025 cricket calendar draws to a close, the debate rages over who will lift the prestigious competition Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy reaches fever pitch. This year has been a masterclass in excellence across all formats set by India Champions Cup fame, high octane Ash action and the rise of a new breed of all-format stars.
Although many experts prefer single formats, ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year The award recognizes those who have shown consistent brilliance across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. From Pakistan’s new all-rounder to India’s run machine captain, here are the top five candidates for 2025.
5 frontrunners for ICC Cricketer of 2025
1. Shubman Gill (India)
Gill really owned up to 2025, marking his arrival not only as a first-rate batter, but as a global leader. to take over from Rohit Sharma Captaining India in all formats was never going to be easy, but Gill accepted the responsibility with remarkable maturity and consistency.
He ended the year as the highest run-scorer in world cricket, amassing an astonishing 1,764 international runs. His output wasn’t exaggerated by one format either – Gill delivered across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, averaging close to 50 in 35 matches.
The defining moment of his year came at Edgbaston, where his magnificent 269 against England rewrote the record books as the highest individual Test score by an Indian captain. Add seven international centuries and a Champions Trophy triumph, and Gill has built an almost flawless corps.
👉 Decision: Leadership, massive runs, big match performances—Gill ticks every box and enters the race as a front-runner.
2. Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
If one word defines Salman’s 2025, it’s irreplaceable. Aspiring to leadership roles in white-ball cricket, he has become Pakistan’s glue across formats, playing in 56 international matches, more than any other contender on this list. Salman scored 1,569 runs, often in pressure situations, while also contributing with the ball and excelling at the slips – taking 32 Test catches, a remarkable figure for a non-specialist.
The Champions Cup campaign further enhanced his stature. Calming down under pressure, Salman played the first innings of his life with his maiden ODI century (134) against South Africa and steered Pakistan through a tense chase.
👉 Decision: Its workload, adaptability and controlled management make it a serious contender despite tough competition.
3. Joe Root (England)
The root continues to age like fine wine. Even after stepping away from T20Is, his control of Tests and ODIs in 2025 was so strong that he still finished with 1,598 international runs, the third highest in the world. This year, Root further ascended to cricket immortality as the second highest run-scorer in Test history. In ODIs, he was unparalleled – scoring 808 runs at an average of 65.77, topping the charts.
His unbeaten 166 against the West Indies was vintage Root: unhurried, technically sound and utterly ruthless once set. Root, who matched Gill to seven international centuries, showed that class is indeed enduring.
👉 Decision: Root’s Bradman-like consistency in the longer formats keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Also READ: Top 5 Candidates for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025
4. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
In a year dominated by batting, Duffy stood tall as a bowler who refused to be overshadowed. He ended 2025 as the highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 81 wickets across formats. Duffy was particularly devastating in Tests, taking 25 wickets in just four matches at an extraordinary average of 16.28. His ability to draw movement, hit the deck hard and exploit the conditions made him New Zealand’s trump card.
What made him stand out was his white ball shot. With 53 T20I wickets, Duffy has proven that he can adapt seamlessly to the new ball by executing clever variations while swinging or at the death.
👉 Decision: Duffy made it the stand-out bowler of 2025 when the matches needed to be turned around.
5. Shai Hope (West Indies)
Hope may not always grab the headlines, but its numbers in 2025 are impossible to ignore. He finished just four runs behind Gill with 1,760 runs, making him the second highest run-scorer worldwide. Playing in 42 matches, the second most of any contender, Hope balanced the dual role of goalkeeper and top-flight batter with remarkable composure. He hit 5 centuries and 9 fifties, offering credibility as the West Indies side found their feet again.
His value went beyond statistics. Hope’s calm leadership and match-saving innings – especially during the tough tour of New Zealand – played a big role in the Caribbean’s revival.
👉 Decision: Consistency, durability and excellence across all formats make Hope a genuine Sobers Trophy contender.
Also READ: Top 5 Candidates for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025
