Wisden’s 2025 T20 Team of the Year: Stars Shine in Franchise and international Arenas
Table of Contents
Despite the absence of a T20 World Cup in 2025,the year witnessed a surge in T20 International (T20I) matches as teams geared up for the 2026 edition,alongside the usual bustling schedule of global franchise leagues like the Hundred. Wisden’s editorial team has meticulously selected it’s Men’s T20 Team of the Year based on performances across all T20 formats throughout the year, recognizing a cohort of players who truly dominated the short format.
A Year of Firsts: Abhishek Sharma Leads the Charge
Indian batter Abhishek Sharma earns an “automatic choice” according to Wisden, after becoming the first cricketer to record over 1,000 T20 runs in a calendar year at a strike rate exceeding 200. He amassed 1,575 runs across various leagues,including a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL-winning campaign where he maintained a strike rate of 176. Salt also showcased his skills in the Hundred, contributing substantially with both bat and gloves, taking 30 catches.
South Africa’s Dewald Brevis experienced a breakout year, striking at over 180 in the IPL, SA20, and The Hundred.His ability to accelerate from any position in the batting order – excelling at strike rates over 170 from positions three to seven – makes him a valuable asset at number three.
England all-rounder Sam Curran proved his versatility, surpassing 1,500 T20 runs for the first time in his career while also claiming 51 wickets. His consistent performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award in both editions of the ILT20,culminating in leading the Desert Vipers to their first title.
Donovan Ferreira of South Africa emerged as a devastating middle-order hitter, smashing a six every 6.6 balls and a boundary every 3.9. his ability to consistently score at a high rate, reaching a minimum of 35 in 38 innings, makes him a formidable presence. Ferreira also demonstrated leadership qualities, captaining both South Africa in T20Is and the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
Rounding out the batting lineup is australia’s tim David,a consistent performer across multiple countries. His explosive innings of 102 not out off 37 balls against the West Indies, punctuated by 11 sixes, exemplified his match-winning capabilities.
A Diverse and Dynamic bowling Attack
Leading the bowling attack is West Indies’ Jason Holder, the leading T20 wicket-taker of 2025 with 97 wickets. Holder excelled in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL),Pakistan Super League (PSL),and ILT20,showcasing his all-round skills with both bat and ball. His impressive performance against Pakistan in the USA, claiming 6-88 in 12 overs, further highlighted his impact.
Alongside Holder is India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who took 55 wickets, with a notably impressive haul of 36 wickets in international matches at an average of 13.19 and economy rate of 7.08.
New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy distinguished himself as the most prosperous Full Member fast bowler in T20Is for a non-World Cup year, claiming 35 wickets at an average of 15.08. His consistent performances included multiple five-wicket hauls in series play.
Completing the bowling attack is Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, who boasted the best bowling average (18.03) among seamers with over 150 overs bowled in 2025. His economical bowling and wicket-taking ability made him a key asset for his teams.
the team is completed by the veteran West indian all-rounder Sunil Narine, who maintained the best economy rate (6.66) among bowlers who delivered at least 150 overs. narine also demonstrated his batting prowess, striking at 170 when opening the innings.
This Wisden T20 Team of the Year represents a blend of established stars and emerging talents,showcasing the global reach and dynamic nature of the shortest format of the game. The selections reflect outstanding individual performances across a diverse range of leagues and international competitions, highlighting a year of thrilling T20 action.
