Former Indian cricketer picks best ODI XI of 2025, no place for Daryl Mitchell

Former India seizure Abhinav Mukund has revealed his Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2025with a star-studded XI led by Rohit Sharma and anchored by Virat Kohli but with no room for New Zealand’s in-form middle order force Daryl Mitchell. The line-up, packed with run machines and wicket-takers out India, New Zealand, England, South Africa And West Indiesheavily rewarded Championship trophy 2025 performance and consistency throughout the season in all conditions

No room for Daryl Mitchell despite an excellent year

Mukund’s The Black Caps star played a key role in the Champions Trophy final, hitting a crucial half-century in Dubai to set a competitive total against India, but he still couldn’t break into Mukund’s chosen four-man core of Kohli. Matthew Breetzke, KL Rahul and all-rounder Michael Bracewell.​

Mitchell’s omission underlines how heavily Mukund has weighed in on overall balance and sheer statistical dominance in 2025. Rachin Ravindra Although one New Zealand batting spot had already been secured as Player of the Tournament in the Champions Trophy and there had been a productive season overall, there was little room left when the Indian stalwarts and South Africa’s new “Mr Consistency” Breetzke were entered. Adil Rashid gave the all-round spin options of New Zealand and England more value than adding another specialist middle-order batsman like Mitchell in this particular XI.

Ex-cricketer reveals his best ODI XI of 2025

Mukund’s team combines the proven temperament of major tournaments with the form of 2025, starting at the top with Indian captain Rohit and New Zealand breakthrough star Ravindra.

1. Rohit Sharma (c) – opener

Rohit enjoyed an excellent year in ODIs, scoring 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 100.46, smashing two centuries and four fifties, while also lifting the Champions Trophy as India’s captain.

Rohit Sharma in 2025: 14 matches | 650 rides | 100.46 pass rate ​

2. Rachin Ravindra – opener

Ravindra was the heartbeat of New Zealand’s top flight, ending 2025 with 604 ODI runs at an average of 43.14 and a blistering strike rate of 106.90, including multiple centuries and the Player of the Tournament award at the Champions Trophy with 263 runs at 65.75.

Rachin Ravindra in 2025: 14 matches | 604 runs | 106.90 pass rate ​

3. Virat Kohli – No.3

Kohli produced another dominant ODI year, averaging over 65 runs and a strike rate of 96.15 in 13 matches, reaffirming his status as a linchpin in pressure chases and major tournaments.

Virat Kohli in 2025: 13 matches | 651 runs | 96.15 pass rate ​

4. Matthew Breetzke – #4

South African batsman Breetzke emerged as one of the biggest revelations of 2025, amassing over 700 runs in just 12 ODIs at an average of 64.18 and a strike rate of 96.71, with one century and six fifties in a fantastic debut year.

Matthew Breetzke in 2025: 12 games | 706 runs | 96.71 pass rate ​

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5. KL Rahul (wk) – No. 5/6, wicketkeeper

KL Rahul provided flexibility and calm to India’s middle order, scoring 367 runs in 2025 at an average of 52.42 and an impressive strike rate of almost 108, while also taking the gloves, convincing Mukund to use him as the designated wicketkeeper in this XI.

KL Rahul in 2025: 14 matches (ODIs) | 367 runs | 107.94 pass rate ​

6. Michael Bracewell – No. 6, all-rounder

Bracewell cemented his reputation as an all-rounder with a big impact, contributing crucial runs through the middle overs and making key breakthroughs with his off-spin during New Zealand’s run to the Champions Trophy final.

Michael Bracewell in 2025 (ODIs): 18 matches (ODIs) | 368 runs | 98.92 pass rate

7. Mitchell Santner – No. 7, all-round bowler

Santner provided lower-order control, variation and stability and played a “big role” in New Zealand’s attack; he finished among the leading ODI wicket-takers in 2025 with 25 wickets while operating as a containing left-arm spinner.

Mitchell Santner in 2025: 17 games | 25 wickets | 3/41 GBI ​

8. Adil Rashid – No. 8, leg-spinner

England’s Rashid gave Mukund a third spin option in the frontline, collecting 30 wickets in 15 ODIs with an excellent level of consistency, keeping him one of the world’s best limited-overs leg-spinners throughout the year.

Adil Rashid in 2025: 15 matches | 30 wickets | 4/63 BBI ​

9. Matt Henry – No. 9, fast bowler

Henry topped the ODI wicket charts in 2025, taking 31 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 18.58, repeatedly providing new-ball strike reliability and death-overs reliability for New Zealand.
Matt Henry in 2025: 13 games | 31 wickets | 5/42 BBI ​

10. Jayden Seales – No. 10, fast bowler

West Indian pacer Jayden Seales continued his meteoric rise, taking 27 wickets in 12 ODIs at an average of 18.14, including a devastating six-wicket haul that underlined his status as one of the most exciting young quicks in the format.

Jayden Seales in 2025: 12 games | 27 wickets | 6/18 BBI ​

11. Jofra Archer – No. 11, fast bowler

Completing the XI, Jofra SagittariusHis raw pace and accuracy earned him 18 wickets in nine ODIs at an average of 22.44 and an economy rate of just 5.05, making him the ideal enforcer and death-overs specialist in Mukund’s setup.

Jofra Archer in 2025: 9 matches | 18 wickets | 4/18 BBI

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