Listing the best performers in ODI cricket (2025)
What's the story
Despite the growing popularity of T20Is and the resurgence of Test cricket, ODI cricket continues to be a platform for players to showcase their skills. The format has witnessed some stellar performances in 2025. Notably, the ICC Champions Trophy, which was won by India, was the most prominent ODI tournament this year. As 2025 is approaching an end, here we look at five players who impressed most in the format this year.
#1
Joe Root scored most ODI runs in 2025
Though the year 2025 saw England talisman Joe Root become the second-highest run-getter in Test history, the batter also played some fine knocks in ODIs. With 808 runs in 15innings at an average of 65.77, Root finished as the highest run-getter this year. The tally includes three tons and four fifties, as Root struck at 95.50 in 2025. Notably, Root slammed a career-best 139-ball 166* against West Indies in Cardiff.
#2
Brilliant start to Matthew Breetzke's career
South African batting sensation Matthew Breetzke announced himself to ODI cricket this year, and how. The dasher scored an impressive 150 on his debut against New Zealand in February. He went on to become the first batter to register 50-plus scores in each of his first five ODIs. Breetzke ended 2025 with 706 runs from 12 ODIs at an average of 64.18 and a strike rate of 96.71. His tally includes one century and six fifties.
#3
Virat Kohli scored most runs for India
Batting superstar Virt Kohli top scored for India in ODIs this year, hammering 651 runs from 13 games at an average of 65.10. His strike rate of 96.15 speaks volumes of his intent. The batting talisman tallied seven 50-plus scores this year, converting three of them to centuries. While his first three-figure score in 2025 was in the high-voltage Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, Kohli's other two tons came in successive games during the recent series against South Africa.
#4
Matt Henry took the most wickets
Veteran New Zealand pacer Matt Henry was at his best across all formats this year. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year, having scalped an impressive 31 wickets from just 13 games at an average of just 18.58 (ER: 5.16). His ability to swing the ball both ways was instrumental in NZ's run to the Champions Trophy final. Meanwhile, Henry recorded three four-fers in ODIs this year. His solitary fifer came against India (5/42) in the CT.
#5
A breakthrough year for Seales
West Indies's Jayden Seales is quickly becoming the spearhead of their bowling attack. The young pacer clocked an average of 18.14 across 12 ODIs in 2025, having tallied 27 wickets. His economy rate read 5.75. His ability to generate movement with the new ball made him a genuine threat across conditions. Seales recorded one four-fer and a fifer in ODIs this year. His 6/18 in Trinidad had rattled Pakistan's batting order.