Wisden Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2025: Brilliant XI Players Uncovered
Each year, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack selects a standout ODI XI based on performances across the international calendar — not just statistical output, but impact, match context, and consistency. For 2025, Wisden’s men’s ODI Team of the Year celebrates players from across eight different nations, reflecting the increasingly global and competitive nature of one-day cricket. None of these teams contributes more than two players to the XI, underlining the breadth of talent across international cricket.
Wisden’s Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2025 — The XI
Rohit Sharma (India)
George Munsey (Scotland)
Virat Kohli (India)
Shai Hope (West Indies) (wk)
Matthew Breetzke (South Africa)
Milind Kumar (India)
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) (c)
Adil Rashid (England)
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Jayden Seales (West Indies)
Asitha Fernando (Sri Lanka)
Top Order Breakdown: Star Power & Form
1. Rohit Sharma — Aggressive Architecture at the Top
Rohit Sharma led from the front with 650 runs at an impressive average of 50 and a strike-rate of 100. His two centuries — including a match-defining 83-ball 76 in the Champions Trophy final — showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate, a dual role crucial in modern ODI cricket. At nearly 40, Rohit remains a benchmark opener due to his mastery of pace and spin alike.
2. George Munsey — Scotland’s Powerhouse
A standout in associate cricket, George Munsey scored 735 runs at a remarkable average of 73.50 and strike-rate over 107. His 191 against the Netherlands — the highest individual ODI score by any associate nation batter — demonstrates both endurance and aggression. Munsey’s inclusion highlights how associate cricket performers can legitimately compete for global recognition.
3. Virat Kohli — ODI Maestro Yet Again
The evergreen Virat Kohli was a cornerstone of the batting ranks in 2025, scoring 651 runs at over 65 with three centuries. Even as other formats evolve, Kohli’s ODI control, timing, and consistency remain elite — particularly his unbeaten hundred against Pakistan in a high-stakes game.
Mid-Order Dynamics: Stability and All-Round Value
4. Shai Hope — Wicketkeeper with Runs
West Indies’ Shai Hope ended 2025 with 670 runs at an average of 64 and a strike-rate near 99 — rare for keepers who also must manage glove duties. His unbeaten 120 in a key match against Pakistan emphasized his role as both a stabilizer and a match-breaker.
5. Matthew Breetzke — South Africa’s Emerging Star
Matthew Breetzke’s entry reflects a breakthrough year: 706 runs at 64.18 and a century (150) that came early in his ODI career. Breetzke’s power and adaptability — especially against high-quality bowling attacks — make him a significant future force for South African cricket.
6. Milind Kumar — The All-Round Catalyst
Milind Kumar’s 2025 was unique because he dominated with both bat and ball — 652 runs at a remarkable average above 80, plus 20 wickets at a striking 18.33 average. That rare all-round dominance across disciplines is exactly what selectors look for in a utility player.
Leadership & Bowling Excellence
7. Mitchell Santner — Captain and All-Round Glue
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner led this ODI XI. His role was understated but essential — 25 wickets at just over 26 and crucial lower-order runs that demonstrated his value in both phases of the innings. His economy and consistency built pressure across various conditions.
8. Adil Rashid — England’s Spin Specialist
Adil Rashid was effective across pitch types in 2025, collecting 30 wickets at a near-five runs-per-over economy. Whether adapting to Asian turners or flatter decks in England, his leg-spin control and tactical deployment kept opposition batters guessing and added depth to the attack.
Pace Attack: Variety and Impact
9. Matt Henry — New Zealand’s Strike Bowler
Matt Henry finished as one of the leading ODI wicket-takers in 2025, claiming 27 wickets at a superb average and boasting a 5-wicket haul. His ability to use seam and swing made him a persistent threat, particularly in conditions favoring movement.
10. Jayden Seales — West Indies’ Emerging Weapon
At just 20, Jayden Seales made headlines with his ODI bowling: 27 wickets at 18.14. His best figures — 6-18 — rank among West Indies cricket’s most lethal ODI performances in decades, and his consistency marks him as a future spearhead.
11. Asitha Fernando — Sri Lankan Swing Master
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando impressed with 23 wickets at a strong average of 21.30, particularly dominating on home surfaces. His ability to consistently move the ball and create pressure highlights both precision and tactical intelligence.
What This ODI XI Says About Cricket in 2025
1. Global Diversity of Talent
The XI features players from eight different nations — India, Scotland, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka — underscoring that great ODI performances are no longer limited to a few powerhouse teams. This diversity celebrates both full members and associate nations contributing meaningful cricketing excellence.
2. Balance Between Experience and Youth
Names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli show enduring class, while Matthew Breetzke and Jayden Seales reflect the rise of game-defining young talents. This combination of experience and youthful aggression is now central to ODI team strategies globally.
3. All-Round Performance Matters
Milind Kumar’s dual contribution with bat and ball highlights that multi-dimensional players are invaluable in ODI cricket. Teams that invest in all-round capability benefit from flexible strategies and deeper batting orders.
4. Bowling Depth and Variety
The selected bowlers represent a mix of pace and spin, seam movement, and tactical variation — indicating that bowling strategy in ODI cricket is more nuanced than ever, requiring specialists for different phases of innings.
Conclusion
Wisden’s Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2025 is not just a list of the best performers — it is a snapshot of one-day cricket’s evolving character. From explosive run-makers and classical anchors to pace proteges and clever spinners, this XI illustrates the demands of modern ODI cricket: consistency under pressure, match-winning versatility, and balance across formats.
Written by The Cricket Show
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