Starc, Deepti Crowned Wisden’s Leading Cricketers After Stellar 2025

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has named Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma as the Leading Cricketers in the World in its 163rd edition, recognizing their exceptional performances during a remarkable 2025 season.

Starc, 36, was awarded the Leading Men’s Cricketer honor after a dominant year in Test cricket. The Australian pacer claimed 55 wickets at an average of 17.32 across 11 Tests, including a career-best 6 for 9 against the West Indies. He carried that form into the 2025–26 Ashes, where he took 31 wickets at 19.93, playing a decisive role in Australia’s series triumph.

Meanwhile, India’s Deepti Sharma, 28, was named Leading Women’s Cricketer following her all-round brilliance in India’s historic ICC Women’s World Cup victory on home soil. She scored 215 runs and took 22 wickets during the tournament, culminating in a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, where she struck 58 runs and claimed 5 for 39 to seal a 52-run victory.

India’s men’s team also received significant recognition. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj were all named among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year for their performances in the fiercely contested 2-2 Test series against England. Gill, India’s captain, also secured the Wisden Trophy for the year’s outstanding individual performance, thanks to his remarkable 430-run effort in the Edgbaston Test.

In the shortest format, Abhishek Sharma was recognized as the Leading T20 Cricketer in the World after scoring over 1,000 runs at a strike rate exceeding 200 during the calendar year.

England’s representation in the awards was limited, with Haseeb Hameed earning a place among the Five Cricketers of the Year. The former opener was instrumental in Nottinghamshire’s County Championship-winning campaign, amassing 1,258 runs at an average of 66.00, including two double centuries.

Beyond the awards, Wisden editor Lawrence Booth offered a critical assessment of England’s recent struggles, particularly their 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. He described the campaign as a squandered opportunity, criticizing the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes for becoming “predictable” and “dogmatic.”

The Almanack also touches on broader structural issues within English cricket, including concerns about limited access to the sport in state schools. Writer James Coyne highlights the growing divide between privately educated players and those from state schools, urging reforms to make cricket more accessible nationwide.

This year’s edition also pays tribute to the late umpire Dickie Bird, remembered fondly for his charisma, fairness, and enduring legacy in the game.

The latest Wisden edition not only celebrates individual brilliance but also reflects on the evolving challenges facing modern cricket, both on and off the field.