In 2025, cricket is experiencing an exciting transition as a new generation of superstars challenges experienced players. The debate over which cricket player is the best in the world is becoming increasingly important debate as new players dominate multiple formats of the cricket. Based on the most recent ICC rankings and performances, the top 5 players in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is this year are broken down here.
In 2025, these hitters have mastered the test cricket and this test is still the hardest game:
Rank | Player | Rating | Country |
1 | Joe Root | 895 | England |
2 | Harry Brook | 876 | England |
3 | Kane Williamson | 867 | New Zealand |
4 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | 847 | India |
5 | Steven Smith | 823 | Australia |
6 | Temba Bavuma | 769 | South Africa |
7 | Kamindu Mendis | 761 | Sri Lanka |
8 | Travis Head | 748 | Australia |
9 | Rishabh Pant | 739 | India |
10 | Usman Khawaja | 739 | Australia |
11 | Saud Shakeel | 739 | Pakistan |
12 | Daryl Mitchell | 725 | New Zealand |
13 | Dinesh Chandimal | 708 | Sri Lanka |
14 | Mohammad Rizwan | 671 | Pakistan |
15 | Marnus Labuschagne | 669 | Australia |
Joe Root (England) - ICC Rating: 895
The undisputed No. 1 Test batter, Root's consistency and adaptability across all conditions make him a modern-day great. Recent centuries in India and Australia prove his dominance.
Harry Brook (England) – ICC Rating: 876
The aggressive middle-order maestro has redefined England's Test approach with his fearless batting.
Averages over 58.48 in the last two years, making him a future legend.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – ICC Rating: 867
The most technically sound batter in the world, Williamson's calmness under pressure keeps New Zealand competitive.
Still the backbone of the Kiwi batting lineup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – ICC Rating: 847
The rising superstar of Indian cricket, Jaiswal's explosive batting at the top has drawn comparisons to Virender Sehwag.
Already has two double-centuries in just 15 Tests.
Steve Smith (Australia) – ICC Rating: 823
The unorthodox genius continues to defy age with his unique technique and match-winning knocks.
Australia's most dependable Test hitter even under challenging circumstances.
The 50-over format is seeing a mix of youth and experience at the top:
Rank | Player | Rating | Country |
1 | Shubman Gill | 784 | India |
2 | Babar Azam | 766 | Pakistan |
3 | Rohit Sharma | 756 | India |
4 | Heinrich Klaasen | 744 | South Africa |
5 | Virat Kohli | 736 | India |
6 | Daryl Mitchell | 720 | New Zealand |
7 | Harry Tector | 713 | Ireland |
8 | Shreyas Iyer | 704 | India |
9 | Charith Asalanka | 694 | Sri Lanka |
10 | Ibrahim Zadran | 676 | Afghanistan |
11 | Shai Hope | 672 | West Indies |
12 | Travis Head | 650 | Australia |
13 | Rassie van der Dussen | 648 | South Africa |
14 | Pathum Nissanka | 641 | Sri Lanka |
15 | KL Rahul | 638 | India |
Shubman Gill (India) – ICC Rating: 784
The best ODI batter in 2025, Gill's elegant strokeplay and consistency make him India's batting pillar.
Averages 59.04 in the last two years with multiple 150+ scores.
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – ICC Rating: 766
The former No. 1 remains Pakistan's most dependable batter, with a textbook-perfect technique.
Still the captain and backbone of Pakistan's ODI side.
Rohit Sharma (India) – ICC Rating: 756
The Hitman continues to deliver explosive starts, proving age is just a number. Holds the record for most ODI double-centuries (3).
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) – ICC Rating: 744
The most destructive middle-order batter in ODIs, Klaasen's power-hitting has won multiple games for SA.
Strike rate of 117.05 makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
Virat Kohli (India) – ICC Rating: 736
The chase master may not be at his peak, but his experience and big-match temperament keep him in the top 5.
Still the go-to man in ICC tournaments.
Rank | Player | Rating | Country |
1 | Travis Head | 856 | Australia |
2 | Abhishek Sharma | 829 | India |
3 | Philip Salt | 815 | England |
4 | Tilak Varma | 804 | India |
5 | Suryakumar Yadav | 739 | India |
6 | Jos Buttler | 735 | England |
7 | Pathum Nissanka | 714 | Sri Lanka |
8 | Tim Seifert | 708 | New Zealand |
9 | Babar Azam | 681 | Pakistan |
10 | Kusal Perera | 676 | Sri Lanka |
11 | Reeza Hendricks | 676 | South Africa |
12 | Mohammad Rizwan | 674 | Pakistan |
13 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | 673 | India |
14 | Josh Inglis | 641 | Australia |
15 | Finn Allen | 629 | New Zealand |
Aggression is the foundation of T20 cricket, and these players are leading the aggressive movements of T20:
Travis Head (Australia) – ICC Rating: 856
The most dangerous opener in T20s, Head's fearless approach has won Australia multiple games.
Strike rate of 160.49 in 2025 makes him a match-winner.
Abhishek Sharma (India) – ICC Rating: 829
The new sensation of Indian cricket, Sharma's explosive batting has made him an IPL and T20I star.
Averages 33.43 with a 193.84 strike rate this year.
Philip Salt (England) – ICC Rating: 815
England's finisher and power-hitter, Salt's ability to accelerate in death overs makes him invaluable.
Key player in England's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.
Tilak Varma (India) – ICC Rating: 804
The left-handed dynamo has impressed with his fearless batting in pressure situations.
A future star for India in the middle order.
Suryakumar Yadav (India) – ICC Rating: 739
The "360-degree" batter may have dropped slightly in rankings, but his ability to play freakish shots keeps him relevant.
Still the best T20I batter when in form.
Test Cricket: Joe Root (Most consistent)
ODIs: Shubman Gill (Highest-rated batter)
T20Is: Travis Head (Most explosive opener)
If we consider all three formats then only two player considered to be the best candidates for the title of best player in all- format, the candidates are Shubman Gill (ODIs and increasing in T20s) and Harry Brook (Tests & ODIs).