Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025

Forget crystal balls, let’s talk cricket! The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025 – who's in the running? We’re already dreaming of the performances, the match-winning innings, and the bowlers who'll be ripping through batting lineups. Predicting a year ahead is a fool’s game, sure, but it’s a fun fool’s game! So, let's dive into five names who could very well be holding that trophy aloft in 2026.

First up, you simply cannot ignore Shubman Gill. The man has a touch of class, doesn't he? He absolutely dominated in 2023, and if he continues that trajectory, especially in crucial tournaments, he'll be a strong contender. Consistency at the top of the order is gold in ODI cricket, and Gill seems to have found the Midas touch. Then there's Babar Azam. A modern great, no question. His elegant strokeplay and hunger for runs make him a perennial threat. For Pakistan to shine, Babar needs to fire – and if he does, watch out for him racking up the awards.

Now, let's talk about the all-rounders, the guys who impact the game with both bat and ball. Someone like Cameron Green. Here's the thing, if Green can cement his place in the Australian ODI side and showcase his all-round abilities consistently, he’s got the X-factor. He's got the potential to be a match-winner in every game. Don't count out someone like Hardik Pandya either. When fit and firing, he brings an unmatched dynamism to the Indian team. Pandya with bat and ball is a game changer. He needs to consistently deliver impactful performances, especially in those crunch moments.

And what about the bowlers? Jasprit Bumrah back at full tilt is a scary prospect for any batsman. His ability to bowl those pinpoint yorkers and extract movement even on unresponsive surfaces makes him a nightmare to face. If Bumrah stays fit and leads the Indian attack with venom, he will be a major contender.

But what makes a Cricketer of the Year? Is it just about racking up runs or taking wickets? Not really. It's about impact, about those moments that define matches and tournaments. It's about consistency, yes, but also about rising to the occasion when the pressure is on. Think about the upcoming Champions Trophy. A stellar performance there could be a massive boost for any of these players.

What's fascinating is how team performance also plays a role. If India, Australia, Pakistan, or England have a dominant year in ODI cricket, the chances are that one of their key players will be in the running. The numbers tell a story, but they don't tell the whole story. The intangibles – leadership, temperament, the ability to perform under pressure – these are equally important.

Looking ahead, the next 12 months are packed with ODI cricket. Bilateral series, the Champions Trophy, and the constant pressure of maintaining form. Keep an eye on how these players adapt to different conditions, how they handle the pressure of expectations, and who steps up when their team needs them most. It's going to be a thrilling ride! And who knows, maybe a dark horse will emerge from the pack – that's the beauty of cricket, isn't it?