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Melbourne Renegades Playing XI vs Hobart Hurricanes- BBL 2025-26, Match 15


Hobart Hurricanes will go head-to-head against the Melbourne Renegades in the fifteenth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about Melbourne Renegades’ Playing 11 vs Hobart Hurricanes for the fifteenth match of the tournament.

Melbourne Renegades Playing XI vs Hobart Hurricanes- BBL 2025-26, Match 15:

Openers: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert

Melbourne Renegades are in desperate need of a win and would want to achieve it when they face the defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes, for the second time this season.

The former BBL champions are languishing at the bottom of the points table with one win from two games, courtesy of a poor net run rate, and would aim to clinch their second win this year.

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Will Sutherland-led side lost the previous match that they played in the competition, which was also against the Hurricanes, the same team that they will be up against in their next fixture.

The visitors would bank on its batters, including the openers, to come good to challenge an in-form bowling lineup of the Hurricanes.

Opening duo of Josh Brown and Tim Seifert would look to fulfill their role by laying a platform for the middle-order batters to capitalize on and get some runs under their belt individually as well.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Oliver Peake, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c)

As far as the middle order of the Melbourne Renegades is concerned, the form or the lack of it, has been a major concern for the team.

One of the reasons for the lackluster performance of the Renehades has been that the team appears to be too reliant on the openers, and the middle-order batters haven’t been able to convert the start that they have got.

The likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan have either got out early or haven’t been able to bat at a good strike rate, even when they have got runs, which has put pressure on the lower middle order.

The only shining light in a batting lineup that hasn’t lived up to expectations has been Oliver Peake, and the team management would hope for him to score runs in the upcoming match and for other batters to give him support.

Bowlers: Fergus O Neill, Gurinder Sandhu, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff

If we talk about the bowling attack of the Melbourne Renegades, it was boosted by the return of Adam Zampa against the Hurricanes, who missed the team’s season opener against the Brisbane Heat.

Although Zampa’s presence didn’t make much difference to the result, as the Renegades lost that particular match due to a poor effort with the bat, as the team bowlers did not have much runs to play with, the spinner would hope to have a say in the next game.

The fast bowling department of the visitors will be handled by Fergus O Neill, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Behrendorff, and captain Will Sutherland.

The bowlers would hope for the batters to have a good outing against the Hurricanes and post a substantial score on the board for them to get the opposition under pressure.



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Shubman Gill goes into isolation mode after T20 World Cup snub, trains relentlessly to save his career


After being left out of Team India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has decided to return to domestic cricket to improve his game. The right-hander has been spending time training at the PCA Stadium in Mohali and is set to play two matches for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Gill will have a massive white-ball phase ahead, including an ODI series against New Zealand, the Indian Premier League 2026, and a subsequent limited-overs tour of England. Gill will lead the Men in Blue in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is set to begin on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara.

Shubman Gill’s Poor T20I Form Led to His Exclusion From India’s T20 World Cup Squad

Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad came after a prolonged struggle for form in the shortest format. The selectors and team management took a tough call and decided to leave Gill out of the World Cup squad.

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Gill returned to the T20I setup during the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored 127 runs in seven matches at an average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 151.19. The opening batter’s inconsistency raised concerns over his place in the playing XI. India then toured Australia for a five-match T20I series.

Gill made 132 runs from five games at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 136.08. He also failed to make a strong impact in the subsequent series against South Africa. Since his return to the T20I side, Gill has managed 291 runs from 15 innings at an average of 24.25, without scoring a single half-century.

Shubman Gill Turns to Domestic Cricket After T20 World Cup Snub

Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup plans came as a surprise to many, given his role in the leadership group across formats. The decision was influenced by his lack of form in T20 cricket, with three selectors and the captain opting to move away from him ahead of the tournament.

Following the omission, Gill is set to return to domestic cricket as part of his comeback plan. The Test and ODI captain will represent Punjab in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Officials from the Punjab Cricket Association have confirmed that Gill will feature in Punjab’s group matches against Sikkim (January 3) and Goa (January 6). Both fixtures are scheduled to be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Shubman Gill Focuses on Preparation After T20 World Cup Omission

According to RevSportz, Shubman Gill was informed just minutes before the squad announcement, while he was still with the T20I group in Ahmedabad. This lack of clarity proved disappointing for Gill, who has consistently spoken about the importance of transparent communication.

Despite sharing a good working relationship with Gautam Gambhir, there is a sense of disappointment over how the situation was handled. Gill has since shifted his focus fully to preparation, putting in long batting sessions at the PCA Stadium to work on his basics and discipline.

The opening batter has also increased his focus on fitness, an area that has troubled him at key moments in recent times. He will look to regain momentum in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, having finished 2025 as the leading scorer across formats with 1,764 runs.

Also read: Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy participation: Return date and opposition revealed



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Pakistani Cricketer Files for Separation, Vows Full Responsibility for Children


Pakistani cricketer Imad Wasim has yet again hit the headlines because of his personal life. On Sunday, December 28, the former Pakistan all-rounder confirmed on social media that he has filed for divorce from his wife Sannia Ashfaq after years of “unresolved conflicts.”

Imad Wasim Officially Files for Divorce, Requests Privacy

Imad asked everyone to respect his privacy during this difficult time. He also requested people not to use old photos or create false stories. Even the Pakistani cricketer made it clear that his ex-wife should no longer be referred to as his spouse while warning against spreading false news.

Read Also: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi ditch national duty for BBL as Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka tour officially announced

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Taking to his social media handle, Wasim released an official statement that reads, “After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce. I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos. Please also refrain from referring to her as my spouse going forward.”

The former Pakistani star further noted. “I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary.”

“I Remain Their Father”: Imad Wasim

Even after the separation, Imad said that he will always remain their father. The all-rounder has assured that he will continue to take full and responsible care of his children. Notably, Imad and Sannia have three children together, including a daughter and two sons.

He concluded the message by saying, “Regarding the children, I remain their father and will continue to care for them fully and responsibly. Thank you for your understanding and respect.”

Marriage Timeline and Rumors Preceding the Split

Imad Wasim was born in Wales and moved to Pakistan as a child with his parent, and he later built his cricket career. On the other hand, Sannia Ashfaq is of British-Pakistani origin. The two met in London and got married in August 2019 in a private ceremony in Islamabad.

The problems reportedly started surfacing in their marriage last year. The situation became more intense after Sannia shared a cryptic post on Instagram, hinting at Imad’s alleged relationship with social media influencer Naila Raja, making things worse.

Read Also: Imad Wasim’s wife breaks silence on husband’s love affair

These rumors spread quickly online, making it even worse for the couple to make it work. However, Naila Raja later denied all such claims and called them false and baseless. And now they head for the divorce, citing the “repeated unresolved conflicts” between them.

BPL Performance Amid Personal Issues

Wasim is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 (BPL 2026-27) for the Dhaka Capitals. He is in great form, as his tight spell of 3/16 led Dhaka Capitals to the five-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the third match of the Bangladesh Premier League at Sylhet.

Imad represented Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 75 T20Is, scoring over 980 runs and over 500 runs, respectively. The left-arm spinner also has 44 ODI and 73 T20I wickets to his name in the international arena. He last played for the Men in Green in 2024.





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Shreyas Iyer ODI comeback confirmed for New Zealand series


A massive update has arrived on the return of the star India National Cricket Team middle-order batsman and ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, to competitive cricket.

According to a recent report in the Times of India, decks have been cleared for the return of Shreyas Iyer to cricket, and he will be seen in action in India’s next home assignment.

How and when did Shreyas Iyer get injured?

The 31-year-old Punjab Kings skipper and Mumbai star, Iyer, recently received a massive promotion in Indian cricket as he was elevated to the vice-captain’s role in the ODI.

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This elevation happened on the back of his heroics with the bat for a long period of time and his success as a captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with three different teams – Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

He made his debut as India’s permanent ODI vice-captain against Australia Down Under, and in the same series, he was a part of a very unfortunate moment.

During the third ODI match between India and Australia in Sydney, Shreyas Iyer suffered a freak injury. He got injured upon impact after he took a catch running backwards from point to dismiss the Alex Carey.

After completing the stunning catch, Iyer looked in pain and immediately clutched his rib cage and was treated by physios. He was soon taken to the hospital for further assessment and was later admitted to the ICU.

At the hospital, he was treated for the spleen laceration, with internal bleeding, by Dr Koroush Haghighi and his team in Sydney, with help from Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in India.

Shreyas Iyer to return to action against New Zealand

Iyer was discharged from the hospital in Sydney on November 1, and after spending some more time in Australia, the right-handed batsman started his rehabilitation program in India.

The Mumbai batter has been seen putting in hard yards with an aim to stage a comeback, and he was very recently seen doing batting practice in the nets.

According to a latest report in Times of India, Iyer is all set to return for the ODI series against New Zealand, if there are no late red flags.

The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will be played on January 11, 14, and 18 in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.

We are hearing positive developments around Shreyas – MCA official

Shreyas Iyer is currently at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and will remain there till December 30. After that, he will join the Mumbai Vijay Hazare Trophy squad in Jaipur on January 2 for the matches on January 3 and 6.

“We are hearing positive developments around Shreyas. He is very likely to play two games for Mumbai on January 3 and January 6. The final schedule will depend on clearance from CoE but signs are positive for playing those games in Jaipur. He is batting well in the nets and no discomfort,” said a MCA official aware of developments.

Also Read: PCB to sell 2 new PSL teams for less than Rishabh Pant-Shreyas Iyer’s combined IPL salary



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Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s stellar show seals big win for India against Sri Lanka in 4th T20I



India Women crushed Sri Lanka Women by 30 runs in the 4th T20I at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, posting a record-breaking 221/2 before restricting the visitors to 191/6. Smriti Mandhana‘s 80 off 48 balls and Shafali Verma‘s 79 off 46 balls powered the hosts to their highest Women’s T20I total, sealing a commanding series victory.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma bolster through Sri Lanka bowling attack

Mandhana and Verma produced a breathtaking opening partnership to completely dismantle Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, laying the foundation for a massive Indian total. The duo came out with attacking intent from the very start, racing to 61 without loss inside the Powerplay and bringing up India’s fifty in just over five overs. Their 162-run stand came in just 15.1 overs, with both batters striking boundaries at will and keeping the pressure firmly on the bowlers. Mandhana played a classy yet destructive knock, reaching her half-century in 35 balls while peppering the field with 11 fours and three sixes. At the other end, Verma was even more explosive, smashing her fifty off just 30 deliveries and scoring at a furious pace as India crossed 100 in under 11 overs and surged past 150 shortly after.

Sri Lanka tried to break the momentum by rotating their bowlers, but the damage had already been done as boundaries continued to flow regularly. Verma was the first to depart after her scintillating innings, followed soon by Mandhana, but the onslaught did not stop there. Richa Ghosh walked in and finished the job in emphatic fashion, blasting an unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur provided solid support. Their late flourish powered India beyond the 200-run mark well before the final over, setting up a daunting total at a blistering run rate and leaving Sri Lanka with a mountain to climb.

Also READ: Harmanpreet Kaur surpasses Meg Lanning’s record with a historic captaincy feat following T20I series triumph over Sri Lanka

India’s tight bowling attack derails Sri Lanka chase in 4th T20I

India’s bowlers produced a disciplined and well-planned effort to halt Sri Lanka’s chase of a stiff 222, sealing a convincing 30-run victory and keeping their hopes of a clean sweep alive. Despite early fireworks from the visitors, the Indian attack held its nerve, tightened the screws in the middle overs, and ensured the asking rate remained out of reach throughout the innings.

Sri Lanka came out all guns blazing in the Powerplay, racing to 60 for 1 as Hasini Perera and skipper Chamari Athapaththu took the attack to the bowlers. Perera’s brisk 33 off just 20 balls, studded with seven boundaries, set the tone, while Athapaththu followed it up with an aggressive half-century, reaching her fifty in only 37 deliveries. The visitors crossed fifty inside four overs and brought up the hundred in just 10.4 overs, momentarily putting India under pressure.

However, the momentum shifted once wickets began to fall at crucial intervals. Arundhati Reddy broke the opening stand by removing Perera, and Vaishnavi Sharma soon dismissed Athapaththu, pegging Sri Lanka back just as the chase threatened to gather serious momentum. Though Imesha Dulani and Harshitha Samarawickrama tried to revive hopes with a quick partnership, untimely dismissals derailed the effort.

India’s bowlers, led by Vaishnavi and Reddy, maintained control in the death overs, with Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani effectively restricting the lower order. A late flourish from Nilakshika Silva proved insufficient, as Sri Lanka finished well short of the target, allowing India to complete a comprehensive 30-run triumph and eyeing a whitewash.

Also READ: Renuka Thakur and Shafali Verma power India to unassailable 3-0 series lead with eight wicket win over Sri Lanka in third T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.





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Virat Kohli’s childhood hero snubs IPL, crowns Babar Azam-starrer BBL as 'Best in the World'



The former South African batter Herschelle Gibbs has made a bold remark on Australia’s Big Bash League and his own country’s SA20. Notably, both BBL and SA20 are currently underway. A social media comment from a Proteas legend has ignited a fierce debate over SA20’s comparison with BBL.

Herschelle Gibbs Sparks BBL vs SA20 Debate, Praises Big Bash “Quality”

It all started when a fan on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that the Big Bash League was no longer the second-best T20 league in the world and that SA20 had clearly overtaken it.

Gibbs jumped into the fray with a decisive take but ended up disappointing the South African fans. The Proteas legend strongly backed the Big Bash League as the best T20 league in the world.

Read Also: Tabraiz Shamsi Wins Court Case Against CSA, Cleared for ILT20 and BBL After NOC Battle

The former South African batting star has pointed out that BBL still offers the best contest between bat and ball, making it far more enticing than the SA20 league.

What Did Herschelle Gibbs Actually Say?

The former Proteas star highlighted Australia’s pace-friendly pitches, extra bounce, and big boundaries, explaining that these factors force batters and bowlers to work harder and make the competition far more balanced and challenging.

Gibbs replied to that fan by saying, “BBL is still best when it comes to contests between bat and ball. Pace and bounce and big boundaries 👌”

Well, his comments instantly raised many eyebrows on social media, as he was indirectly putting SA20 in a lower bracket despite South Africa’s own premier T20 competition having rapidly grown in popularity and value.

Gibbs’ Final Verdict

As the conversation heated up, another fan accused Indian supporters of hyping SA20 only because the IPL owners have the ownership of all six teams. The debate started drifting away from cricket and into ownership and nationality, but Gibbs strongly clarified his stance.

He made it clear that he was not judging leagues based on owners, marketing, or hype. Instead, the former Proteas batter stressed that his view was purely from a cricketing angle, focusing on balance, conditions, and competition rather than business success or popularity.

Read Also: Melbourne Renegades Playing XI vs Hobart Hurricanes- BBL 2025-26, Match 15

Gibbs stated, “You get the league as a product, and you get the cricketing side from the balance between bat and ball. I’m merely talking from the cricketing side.”

BBL vs SA20

SA20 has surpassed BBL in many ways because it offers more money and has stronger backing. All six teams are owned by IPL franchises, so they have better planning, bigger budgets, and higher player payments.

The league has a salary cap of over 2.3 million US dollars and a prize pool of around INR 15.4 crore, which has helped attract big international names like Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali.

On the other hand, the Big Bash League has a much smaller prize pool of about INR 3.7 crore, and the tournament often clashes with Australia’s Test cricket schedule. Because of this, many top Australian players are not always available for the BBL.

To stay competitive, the Big Bash League and Cricket Australia are now thinking about privatizing teams so it can build a stronger financial system and pull in top-level players.





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Ashes 2025-26: Brett Lee explains why Sydney Test could be a fitting farewell for Usman Khawaja



With the Ashes 2025-26 series nearing its conclusion, conversations around legacies and farewells have begun to surface. Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has added fuel to the debate by suggesting that the final Test in Sydney could be the perfect stage for Usman Khawaja to bid goodbye to international cricket. As Australia eye a dominant series finish, Lee believes a home-ground exit would be a ‘special’ ending for the veteran opener.

Brett Lee’s take on a potential farewell for Usman Khawaja

Speaking amid the ongoing Ashes, Lee said that while the decision ultimately rests with Khawaja, the symbolism of signing off at Sydney cannot be ignored. The former pacer highlighted how rare it is for players to have the opportunity to end their careers at a venue that holds personal and national significance.

According to Lee, the prospect of Australia sealing a 4-1 series win at Sydney adds to the romance of the moment. He noted that Khawaja has been one of Australia’s most consistent Test batters in recent years and deserves to choose his own exit, rather than being forced out by circumstances.

“That’ll be up to him, but it’d be a special way for him to go out, wouldn’t it? Home ground, a chance to win 4-1, but we’ll wait and see in a couple of days. Just a couple of weeks ago he was, and has been, one of Australia’s greatest batsmen,” Lee said, as quoted by The Roar.

Form, age and growing competition for Khawaja

Khawaja’s recent numbers have sparked discussion about his future. In 2025, the left-hander has scored 614 runs from 10 Tests at an average of 36.11, including one century and one half-century. While those figures remain respectable, the expectations around Australia’s opening combination remain sky-high.

The emergence of Travis Head as a dependable top-order option has increased competition for places, while Khawaja’s age—he turns 39—has also become part of the wider conversation. After a superb double hundred against Sri Lanka in January, the Queensland batter endured a quieter run before returning with scores of 83 and 40 in Adelaide.

Also READ: “I was in a state of shock”: MCG curator breaks silence after farce of two-day Boxing Day Test – Ashes 2025-26

A role model beyond numbers

The experienced opener missed the second Test of the series due to a back injury but retained his place on return, edging out Josh Inglis. However, modest returns of 29 and a duck in the Melbourne Test once again put his spot under the scanner. Lee was quick to defend Khawaja, stressing that his presence in the side is built on years of contribution rather than short-term form. He underlined that Khawaja was sidelined earlier due to injury, not because of a loss of faith from selectors.

Beyond runs and averages, Lee emphasised Khawaja’s impact as a senior figure in the dressing room. He described the opener as a role model for young cricketers, praising his professionalism, resilience, and journey to the top of Australian cricket. Khawaja’s Test career numbers reinforce that legacy. In 87 Tests, he has amassed 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, striking 16 centuries and 28 fifties—figures that place him among Australia’s most reliable batters of his era.

“He’s in the team because of what he’s achieved, and he wasn’t left out due to form. He was left out because of his injury (to) his back. I don’t know what’s going on in his life, in terms of his professional cricket life, but all I can say is that he’s been instrumental for Australia. He’s been such a great role model for young kids coming through,” Lee added.

Also READ: Winless streak snapped: Fans react as Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue drive England to Ashes Test success in Australia



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In pics: Meet Andrew Strauss’ new wife Antonia Linnaeus-Peat


Former England captain Andrew Strauss has quietly entered a new phase of his life after marrying Antonia Linnaeus-Peat in a private ceremony in South Africa. The couple tied the knot on December 17, 2025, in the picturesque wine town of Franschhoek, seven years after the passing of Strauss’ first wife, Ruth McDonald.

Photos from the low-key wedding have since surfaced on social media, offering a rare glimpse into a deeply personal celebration that blended family, remembrance and fresh beginnings.

Who is Antonia Linnaeus-Peat?

Art world professional with international roots

Antonia Linnaeus-Peat, 30, is a former public relations executive who has since carved out a career in the art world. She currently runs Linnaeus Fine Art Advisory Limited, a boutique firm offering art advisory services to private collectors and institutions.

Antonia Linnaeus-Peat (PC: X.com)

Raised in Hong Kong, Antonia later moved to the UK for her education and attended St Mary’s Calne, an independent girls’ school in Wiltshire. Her international upbringing and professional background have seen her move comfortably between creative, corporate and social circles.

Antonia Linnaeus-Peat

First public appearance with Andrew Strauss

Despite Strauss’ high public profile, the relationship was largely kept private. The couple were first spotted together publicly around two years ago, though reports suggest they had been together for longer. With an 18-year age gap, the pair chose discretion over publicity, gradually appearing together at select events before their wedding announcement.

Andrew Strauss and Antonia Linnaeus-Peat

Their marriage marks a significant personal milestone for Strauss, who has largely kept his private life away from headlines since stepping back from frontline cricket roles.

An intimate wedding with Strauss in Franschhoek

The wedding took place at La Clé Vineyard, located roughly 50 miles east of Cape Town, with only close family in attendance. Among the guests were Strauss’ sons Samuel (19) and Luca (17) from his first marriage, underscoring the family-centric nature of the occasion.

Strauss family

Sharing photos from the ceremony on Instagram, Strauss wrote: “Celebrating the most special day in our favourite part of the world. Thank you for loving me and the boys the way you do… Here’s to a lifetime of beautiful memories, my girl.”

Also READ: Kevin Pietersen’s wife: Who is Jessica Taylor?

Andrew Strauss with his wife

A new beginning for Andre Strauss after profound loss

Strauss’ first wife Ruth McDonald passed away in December 2018 at the age of 46 after battling a rare form of non-smoker lung cancer. The couple spend quality time together for 15 years, and her death deeply impacted Strauss’ life and career.

In the aftermath, Strauss stepped back from cricket administration to focus on family and went on to establish the Ruth Strauss Foundation, dedicated to research and support for families affected by non-smoker lung cancer.

Also READ: Who is Mohit Sharma’s wife Shweta Jaiswal? 



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Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025


As the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025 award approaches announcement, anticipation builds around players who dominated the longest format with extraordinary consistency and impact. This prestigious honour recognizes sustained excellence across gruelling series, where batters piled up runs and bowlers dismantled line-ups under pressure. Deep research into 2025 performances reveals a fiercely contested race blending volume stats, match-winning knocks, and pivotal contributions

Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s T20I cricketer of the Year 2025

1. Joe Root (England)

(Image source: X)

England‘s Joe Root emerged as the leading run-scorer in Test cricket for 2025, showcasing masterful consistency across demanding series. His prolific output highlighted a refined technique blending patience with calculated aggression, anchoring England’s revival in key battles.

Runs: 805
Average / Strike Rate: 50.31 / 57.70
Milestones: Recorded 4 centuries and 1 half-century in 18 innings.
Signature Performance: Crafted an unbeaten 135 at the Gabba during the Ashes, hailed as his finest innings amid a top-order collapse, steering England to a fighting total against Australia’s pace barrage.​

2. Shubman Gill (India)

Shubman Gill best test
(Image source: X)

Shubman Gill dominated the run charts as India‘s young captain, blending elegance with resilience on challenging pitches worldwide. His explosive scoring propelled India to series triumphs, marking his ascent as a global batting powerhouse.
Runs: 983
Average / Strike Rate: 70.21 / 63.70
Milestones: Smashed 5 centuries and 1 half-century in 16 innings.
Signature Performance: Blasted a career-best 269 at Edgbaston against England, part of twin tons totalling over 430 runs that sealed a commanding victory, the highest by an Asian in an English series.​

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2025

3. Travis Head (Australia)

Travis Head best test
(Image source: X)

Travis Head‘s fearless aggression lit up Australia‘s campaigns, particularly in the Ashes defense, where his rapid counters dismantled bowling attacks. His ability to accelerate under pressure proved decisive in high-stakes chases and rebuilds.
Runs: 817
Average / Strike Rate: 40.85 / 79.39
Milestones: Notched 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries in 21 innings.
Signature Performance: Unleashed 170 in the Ashes at Perth, clinching the series with a blistering chase of 205 for an 8-wicket win, embodying his new-ball opener role.​​

4. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc test best
(Image source: X)

Mitchell Starc terrorized batters with express pace and swing, leading Australia’s bowling charts and turning matches single-handedly. His stamina across long hauls and flat tracks underscored his status as a modern great.
Wickets: 55
Average / Economy: 17.32 / 3.66
Milestones: Claimed 3 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket match in 22 innings.
Signature Performance: Devastated India with 7/58 at the MCG, including a lethal 1-25 spell that sparked a collapse, pivotal in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.​​

5. Mohammed Siraj (India)

Mohammed Siraj best Test
(Image source: X)

Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s pace attack, surging to the top of global Test wicket-takers with fiery spells in diverse conditions. His leadership in the fast-bowling unit complemented spin dominance, restricting opponents ruthlessly.
Wickets: 43
Average / Economy: 27.20 / 3.75
Milestones: Secured 2 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls in 19 innings.
Signature Performance: Dismantled West Indies with 6/70, including Shai Hope‘s prized wicket at 103, propelling India to a series whitewash abroad.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025



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Former cricketer picks best T20I XI of 2025, no place for Jasprit Bumrah



In a year that has seen the shortest format of the game reach new heights of power-hitting and tactical mystery, former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Abhinav Mukund has unveiled his Best T20I XI of 2025.

Ex-cricketer reveals his best XI of T20I format for 2025

While the list features a heavy presence of Indian stars who dominated the 2025 calendar, the biggest talking point remains the high-profile absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Despite Bumrah’s impressive show, Mukund has opted for a bowling attack based on current form and the unique impact players have had over the last twelve months. The lineup is a blend of explosive opening power, middle-order stability, and a bowling unit that features some of the most successful “resurgent” stars of 2025.

Solid top-order ft. Abhishek Sharma

Mukund’s opening duo reflects the “fearless” brand of cricket that defined 2025. Abhishek Sharma takes the pole position after a record-breaking year where he hammered a massive 135 off 54 balls against England. Partnering him is Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, who has been a model of consistency, finishing the year with 2,345 career T20I runs and a brilliant 107 against India in the Asia Cup.

England’s Jos Buttler occupies the number three spot. Even as he balances national duty with the IPL, Buttler’s 2025 T20I strike rate remained formidable at nearly 149, providing the perfect bridge between the powerplay and the middle overs.

  • Abhishek Sharma in 2025: 21 matches | 859 runs | 193.46 strike rate
  • Pathum Nissanka in 2025: 18 matches | 625 runs | 149.16 strike rate
  • Jos Buttler in 2025: 15 matches | 480 runs | 164.38 strike rate

Young guns and all-round depth

The middle order is dominated by India’s new-age superstars. Tilak Varma finds a spot after a prolific year, highlighted by a stunning 73 off 42 against South Africa in December. He is followed by the “finisher” duo of Tim David and South African sensation Dewald Brevis. Brevis, nicknamed “Baby AB,” truly arrived on the international stage in 2025, breaking records with an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls* against Australia—the highest individual T20I score for South Africa.

Leading the all-round department is Hardik Pandya, who enjoyed a vintage 2025. Pandya surpassed Yuvraj Singh’s record for the most “50+ runs and 1+ wicket” doubles in T20Is, ending his December series against the Proteas with 142 runs at a staggering strike rate of 186.84.

  • Tilak Varma in 2025: 20 matches | 567 runs | 129.15  strike rate
  • Tim David in 2025: 14 matches | 395 runs | 197.50 strike rate
  • Dewald Brevis in 2025: 17 matches | 464 runs | 176.42 strike rate
  • Hardik Pandya in 2025: 15 matches | 302 runs | 153.29 strike rate

Also READ: Harsha Bhogle picks Test Team of the Year 2025, Pat Cummins named captain

The Jasprit Bumrah-less bowling attack

The most controversial aspect of the XI is the omission of Bumrah. Instead, Mukund has rewarded the sheer wicket-taking volume of New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy and India’s Varun Chakaravarthy. Notably, Bumrah had a strong year in T20Is in 2025, becoming only the second Indian to reach the 100-wicket milestone and performing exceptionally well in various series. He finished the year as India’s third-highest T20I wicket-taker.

Chakaravarthy also had a phenomenal year in T20Is in 2025, finishing as India’s leading wicket-taker and the joint-highest among all Test-playing nations with 36 wickets. His stellar performance made him the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world and earned him the Player of the Series award in the home series against South Africa. Duffy, too, rose to become the World No. 1 T20I bowler in April 2025, following a demolition of Pakistan where he took 4/14.  His impressive performance made him the first Kiwi bowler to claim over 30 T20I wickets in a calendar year. Mukund also went with Mohammad Nawaz and Mustafizur Rahman to complete his bowling attack.

  • Varun Chakaravarthy in 2025: 20 matches | 36 wickets | 5/24 BBI
  • Jacob Duffy in 2025: 21 matches | 35 wickets | 4/14 BBI
  • Mohammad Nawaz in 2025: 26 matches | 36 wickets | 5/19 BBI
  • Mustafizur Rahman in 2025: 20 matches | 26 wickets | 3/11 BBI

Abhinav Mukund’s best T20I XI of 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Pathum Nisaanka, Jos Buttler, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nawaz, Jacob Duffy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mustafizur Rahman

Also READ: Abhinav Mukund reveals his best Test playing XI for 2025; names Temba Bavuma as captain



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