For a format allegedly “fading,” 2025 ODI cricket had no interest in reading its own obituary. India capped the year with a nine-wicket wall-demolition of South Africa in Visakhapatnam, sealing the series 2–1 and finishing with a sparkling 11–3 record. Fittingly poetic, this match wasn’t just a finale; it was the curtain call of the entire men’s ODI calendar.
Although there was great disparity in success among franchises around the world, and great disparity in success among individual players, there are several players whose impact will be remembered through the statistics and stories from this year, and they all provided an example of some level of dominance with Rohit Sharma, a comeback of sorts for De Kock, the bold and aggressive playstyle of Matthew Henry, and a debut by a player who batted like he had never swung a bat before.
So, what does the real Best ODI XI of 2025 look like and why?
Top Order That Defined the Year’s Rhythm
Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock
With both Rohit Sharma (with 650 runs and a 100+ Strike Rate) and Quinton De Kock (with 353 runs in 6 games) batting on the same side of the pitch, it’s somewhat similar to having two Grand Pianos in the same room; each is beautiful, powerful, and at times very loud. The fact that Rohit Sharma was once again able to find his stride in the one day format was evident from the 650 runs he scored for India at a strike rate greater than 100, while De Kock seemed to have never been gone when he returned to ODIs, he immediately began to score the way he always has in ODIs, 353 runs in his first 6 games.
And then came Virat Kohli at No. 3, the role he could probably play blindfolded. Three centuries, 651 runs, and a series-defining surge vs South Africa after back-to-back ducks in Australia. Kohli’s second wind in 2025 wasn’t a comeback; it was a reminder.
Middle Order Built on Grit, Flow, and Surprises
Shai Hope and Daryl Mitchell
If the top order established tempo, the middle order delivered the narrative twists. Shai Hope’s 670 runs were a masterclass in ODI pacing acceleration without chaos. Daryl Mitchell, briefly world No. 1, offered consistency disguised as elegance.
But the headline-stealer? Matthew Breetzke. A debutant who behaved like he missed the memo about “starting slow,” he hammered 706 runs with a century and six fifties. His 150 on debut in Lahore was the kind of arrival that gets mentioned for years.
An All-Rounder Who Quietly Balanced Everything
Axar Patel
Axar Patel rarely hogs headlines, and that’s precisely his charm. With 290 runs and 11 wickets at an economy of 4.47, he was the blue-collar worker in a year of white-collar fireworks. In a format that values glue more than glamour, Axar was indispensable.
A Bowling Attack That Would Terrify Any Era
Matthew Henry and Jayden Seales
Matthew Henry led 2025 like he was bowling with cheat codes: 31 wickets at 18.58, the year’s top wicket-taker. Jayden Seales wasn’t far behind, delivering pace, hostility, and a jaw-dropping 6-18 in Tarouba. Jofra Archer, back in rhythm, clocked 18 wickets with remarkable control.
Kuldeep Yadav completed the quartet with 19 wickets, often striking when India needed breakthroughs the most. Wrist-spin remains ODI cricket’s ancient magic and Kuldeep its current custodian.
From Rohit’s leadership to Henry’s precision, from Breetzke’s rise to Axar’s balance, this XI encapsulates the beauty of a format that thrives on nuance. And if these performances are any indication, 2026 could be the year ODIs finally fight their way back into cricket’s cultural center.
Key Takeaway
The best ODI XI of 2025 wasn’t about stars; it was about specialists.
FAQs
- What made Rohit Sharma the standout opener of 2025?
His 650 runs at a strike rate of 100+ while leading India to silverware set him apart.
- Why is Matthew Henry the year’s top bowler?
He finished with 31 wickets, the most in ODIs at an elite average of 18.58.
- How did Matthew Breetzke break into the XI?
With 706 runs in a debut year, including a 150 on debut, he forced his way in statistically and stylistically.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
