Best ODI XI of calendar year 2025

With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2026, the year 2025 saw several teams deliver outstanding performances in the 50-over format. Based on consistency and impact, here is a look at the best possible ODI XI of 2025.

India’s Rohit Sharma and England’s Ben Duckett form an ideal opening pair. Rohit scored 650 runs in 14 innings, while Duckett accumulated 537 runs in 15 innings. Together, they also provide a right-hand–left-hand combination at the top. 

Although Rohit is no longer India’s ODI captain, he began the year as the leader and guided the team to the ICC Champions Trophy title. Considering the available options, he remains the best choice to captain this XI. As a batter, he also finished the year strongly with impressive performances in Australia and South Africa.

At number three, West Indies’ Shai Hope fits in perfectly due to his consistency. He scored 670 runs in 15 innings and can also take up the wicketkeeping duties if required. At number four, England’s Joe Root had an exceptional year, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 808 runs in 15 innings.

South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke earns a spot after showcasing his ability against both pace and spin. He scored 706 runs in just 12 innings and delivered consistently throughout the year. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, although used higher up the order for his national side, slots in as an all-rounder. He finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the year with 761 runs in 16 innings. While he did not bowl much in 2025, he can still contribute a few overs and offer power-hitting ability as a finisher.

Sri Lanka’s Janith Liyanage adds balance to the XI as a batting all-rounder. The 30-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler impressed with his control during the middle overs, while also contributing 448 runs in 13 innings with the bat.

The spin department features New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and England’s Adil Rashid. Santner, the left-arm orthodox spinner, picked up 25 wickets in 17 innings. Rashid, the experienced leg-spinner, finished the year as the second-highest wicket-taker with 30 wickets in 15 innings.

The pace attack will be led by West Indies’ Jayden Seales and New Zealand’s Matt Henry. Seales claimed 27 wickets in 11 innings, while Henry ended the year as the highest wicket-taker with 31 wickets in 13 innings. Overall, this XI offers seven bowling options, with four frontline bowlers and part-time support from Daryl Mitchell, Janith Liyanage, and Joe Root.        

Here is the best ODI XI of the calendar year 2025

Rohit Sharma (C), Ben Duckett, Shai Hope (WK), Joe Root, Matthew Breetzke, Daryl Mitchell, Janith Liyanage, Mitchell Santner, Adil Rashid, Jayden Seals, Matt Henry.

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