The One-Day Internationals (ODI) have turned out to be a trend-setting format in 2025, where talented veterans rose to prominence, and youngsters shone with their brilliance on a grand stage.

Not only the bilateral 50-over series, but also the Champions Trophy 2025 saw players surging above the ranks in the leaderboards as well as changing the course of the game in their team’s favor.

There are countless moments to cherish, which include game-changing centuries of batters and terrifying 5-wicket hauls of the pace and spin bowlers.

With the calendar year reaching its conclusion, only a handful of contenders remain active in the race for ICC’s most prestigious accolade.

Here are the top five noteworthy candidates who are eligible to claim the ‘ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2025’ award.

1. Joe Root (ENGLAND):

England’s consistent batter Joe Root has been the only cricketer to amass 800+ runs in ODIs this year.

His unconventional method of playing with an aggressive intent in the middle overs sets him apart from the rest of the batters.

In 15 innings, the right-handed batter amassed 808 runs, averaging 57.71, including 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries.

Root’s unbeaten 166-run knock off 139 balls (including 21 fours and 2 sixes) against England has not only been his career best score in ODIs, but also the highest individual score by any English batter in white ball cricket in 2025.

2. Matthew Breetzke (SOUTH AFRICA):

Having debuted in ODIs in February 2025, Matthew Breetzke has enjoyed the most memorable year of his white ball career. Within a short span, he established his worth as the reliable top-order batter for the Proteas.

Here is how the 27-year-old set a new record by accumulating 50+ scores in his first five consecutive ODI innings:

With a century and 6 fifties to his name, Breetzke has been a valuable asset for the South African batting line-up. His high intent to score runs and the balance he adds to the team’s playing XI have been exceptional. The young batter’s standout performance includes the 150-run knock in his debut game against New Zealand.

Notably, the right-handed batter surpassed the former West Indies cricketer Desmond Haynes’ 47-year-old record, who scored 148 in his debut against Australia on February 22, 1978. 

3. Shai Hope (WEST INDIES):

West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope has been the top ODI run scorer for his side in 2025. Having batted in the middle order, the 32-year-old scored 670 runs in 15 innings, averaging 55.83, including 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries. 

Hope made an impact with his best performance this year against Pakistan on August 12, 2025, when he scored an unbeaten 120 runs from 94 balls (including 10 fours and 5 sixes) at the Brian Lara Stadium.

4. Virat Kohli (INDIA):

India’s modern-day legendary batter Virat Kohli proved once again why he is hailed as the King of white ball cricket.

The right-handed batter played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025. Especially, his unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stages and a match-winning 84-run knock against Australia in the semi-final outline his consistency in high-pressure situations.

Kohli concluded as the top run scorer for India in ODIs this year, having amassed 651 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.10. He recorded 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries to his name in 2025 and proved why he solely deserves the No.3 batting position in the 50-overs format.

In addition to his masterclass performance in the Champions Trophy, Virat’s back-to-back centuries in the South African series at home reinforce his place as India’s most dependable batter.

5. Matt Henry (NEW ZEALAND):

With 31 wickets in 13 ODI innings, Matt Henry ranked as the leading wicket-taker of the format across all nations in 2025. At an average of 18.58 and an economy of 5.16, Henry’s ability to tame the opponent’s batters during power play makes him the most lethal weapon in the Kiwis’ bowling attack.

The right-arm medium pacer delivered a devastating performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, having claimed 10 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 16.70, topping the wickets charts.

Here are the 34-year-old’s impressive bowling figures (5-wicket hauls and 4-fers) in ODIs against these teams this year:

• 5/42 in 8 overs vs India in Champions Trophy 2025 (on 2nd March 2025, DICS). 
• 4/19 in 10 overs vs Sri Lanka (on 5th January 2025, Wellington). 
• 4/43 in 9.2 overs vs West Indies (on 22nd November 2025, Hamilton).
• 4/55 in 10 overs vs Sri Lanka (on 11th January 2025, Auckland).