Cricket in 2025 is a batsman’s game, with pitches favoring stroke-makers and T20 leagues showcasing explosive talent. The top 5 batsmen in the world right now combine consistency, adaptability, and match-winning flair across formats. This SEO-friendly article ranks the best based on recent performances, ICC rankings, and global impact. Let’s get started!
Why Batsmen Rule Cricket in 2025
Batsmen are the heart of modern cricket, driving ticket sales and thrilling fans with centuries and sixes. From Test match grinders to T20 entertainers, the best adapt to any challenge—whether it’s a swinging red ball or a packed IPL crowd. Here’s who’s dominating the crease in 2025.
1. Virat Kohli – The King of Consistency
Team: India | Formats: Test, ODI, T20I
Virat Kohli remains the world’s premier batsman in 2025, blending technique with aggression. His 741 ODI runs in 2024 at a 61.75 average carried into this year, with a record-breaking 14,000 ODI runs milestone during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kohli’s 51 ODI centuries and 50+ average across formats make him untouchable. His RCB performances in IPL 2025 further cement his legacy.
Why He’s No. 1: Kohli’s hunger for runs and big-match temperament are unmatched.
2. Joe Root – England’s Test Maestro
Team: England | Formats: Test, ODI
Joe Root tops the ICC Test rankings with 895 points, thanks to his silky cover drives and marathon innings. In 2025, he’s amassed 1,200 Test runs, including four centuries, anchoring England’s Bazball era. His ODI form (600+ runs) adds versatility, though he skips T20s. At 34, Root’s elegance keeps him elite.
Why He’s Top 5: Root’s Test dominance and consistency make him a modern great.
3. Shubman Gill – India’s Rising Star
Team: India | Formats: Test, ODI, T20I
Shubman Gill, the ICC’s No. 1 ODI batsman with 791 points, has taken 2025 by storm. His century against England in Ahmedabad and 2,000 ODI runs in record time highlight his class. Gill’s Test average of 45+ and IPL heroics for Gujarat Titans show he’s ready for any stage at just 25.
Why He’s Top 5: Gill’s poise under pressure signals a future legend.
4. Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Elegant Run-Machine
Team: Pakistan | Formats: Test, ODI, T20I
Babar Azam, despite slipping to No. 2 in ODI rankings (770 points), remains a global favorite. His 824-point peak in 2024 carried into 2025 with 500+ ODI runs and a Test double-century. Babar’s cover drives and T20 adaptability shine in PSL and beyond, even after stepping down as captain.
Why He’s Top 5: Babar’s silky batting and cross-format reliability keep him elite.
5. Harry Brook – England’s Dynamic Talent
Team: England | Formats: Test, ODI
Harry Brook, ranked second in Tests with 876 points, is England’s next big thing. His 2025 Test tally of 900 runs, including a triple-century, blends aggression with grit. Brook’s ODI strike rate (90+) and T20 cameos make him a three-format threat at 26, poised to climb higher.
Why He’s Top 5: Brook’s fearless approach thrives in high-stakes moments.
What Sets These Batsmen Apart?
The top 5 batsmen in 2025 excel due to:
Adaptability: Kohli and Gill dominate Tests, ODIs, and T20s with ease.
Consistency: Root’s Test centuries and Babar’s high averages reflect reliability.
Impact: Brook’s game-changing knocks shift momentum.
Modern Skills: Quick scoring and innovation suit T20-heavy schedules.
he Road Ahead for Cricket’s Elite
With the 2025 Champions Trophy and Ashes looming, these batsmen face new tests. Emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav are close behind, but for now, Kohli, Root, Gill, Azam, and Brook lead the pack. Their ability to balance traditional grit with T20 flair will shape cricket’s future
Final thoughts
The top 5 batsmen in the world in 2025—Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, and Harry Brook—are rewriting record books and thrilling fans. Whether it’s Kohli’s chase mastery or Brook’s audacity, they define cricket’s golden era. Who’s your pick? Share below, and catch their next big knock live!
