As the 2025 cricket calendar comes to an end, the debate has begun over who will take up the coveted post Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy The fever is reaching its peak. This year has been a masterclass in the all-format excellence defined by India champions trophy Glory, a high-octane ash battle, and the rise of a new breed of all-format stars.
While many specialists continued to dominate the singles formats ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year The award recognizes those who have demonstrated consistent excellence in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. From Pakistan’s new versatile leader to India’s run-machine captain, here are the top five contenders for 2025.
5 frontrunners in the race for ICC Cricketer of the Year 2025
1. Shubman Gill (India)
Gill actually owns 2025, which marks his arrival not only as a premier batsman but also as a leader of global stature. took over the reins from Rohit Sharma It was never easy to captain India across all formats, but Gill accepted the responsibility with remarkable maturity and consistency.
He scored 1,764 international runs and became the leading run-scorer in world cricket this year. His output was not limited to any one format either – Gill averaged close to 50 in 35 matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
The defining moment of his year came at Edgbaston, where his innings of 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 win, and Gill has built an almost flawless case.
👉 Verdict: Leadership, massive runs, performances in big matches – Gill ticks every box and enters the race at the front.
2. Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
If one word defines Salman’s 2025, it’s inevitable. Taking on a leadership role in white-ball cricket, he became Pakistan’s glue across all formats, appearing 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 in the slips – taking 32 Test catches, a remarkable number for a non-specialist fielder.
His Champions Trophy campaign further elevated his stature. Calm under pressure, Salman played the biggest innings of his life with a maiden ODI century (134) against South Africa, pulling Pakistan out of a tense situation.
👉 Verdict: His workload, adaptability and leadership under scrutiny make him a serious contender despite stiff competition.
3. Joe Root (England)
The root keeps aging like fine wine. Even after moving away from T20Is, his hold on Tests and ODIs in 2025 was so strong that he still finished with 1,598 international runs, the third highest number worldwide. This year, Root achieved cricket immortality and became the second highest run scorer in Test history. In ODIs, he was peerless – scoring 808 runs at an average of 65.77, topping the charts.
His unbeaten 166 against the West Indies was vintage Root: fast, technically pristine, and completely ruthless once set. By equaling Gill with seven international centuries, Root showed that class indeed endures.
👉 Verdict: Root’s Bradman-like consistency in the longer formats keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Also read: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025
4. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
In a year dominated by the batsmen, Duffy emerged as a bowler who refused to be dominated. He ended 2025 as the highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 81 wickets across all formats. Duffy was particularly devastating in the Tests, taking 25 wickets at an extraordinary average of 16.28 in just four matches. His ability to gain movement, hit the deck hard and take advantage of situations made him New Zealand’s trump card.
What also set him apart was his influence on the white ball. With 53 T20I wickets, Duffy proved he can adapt effortlessly, whether swinging the new ball or making clever changes in the death overs.
👉 Verdict: Duffy performed well when the match needed to be turned, making him a standout bowler of 2025.
5. Shai Hope (West Indies)
Hope may not always make headlines, but his 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 globally. Playing 42 matches, the second most among the contenders, Hope balanced the dual roles of wicketkeeper and top-order batsman with remarkable composure. He scored 5 centuries and 9 half-centuries, which gave credibility to the West Indies team to regain its footing.
His value soared beyond statistics. Hope’s calm leadership and match-saving innings—particularly during the difficult tour of New Zealand—played a major role in the Caribbean’s resurgence.
👉 Verdict: Consistency, durability and excellence across formats makes Hope a genuine Sobers Trophy contender.
Also read: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025
