In 2025, bowling was once again the backbone of success across all formats, with wicket-takers consistently dictating match results. Throughout the year, bowlers picked wickets at regular intervals and never let the batters settle. Be it in Tests, ODIs or T20Is, their ability to break partnerships at crucial moments built momentum in their teams’ favour. Many of these wickets came under pressure, often turning into contests.
Here are 5 bowlers with the most international wickets in 2025
5. Kuldeep Yadav (India)
Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo source: BCCI)
Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav stood out in 2025 as the only Indian cricketer to be among the top five wicket-takers across all formats. The left-arm wrist spinner enjoyed a consistent run, taking 60 wickets in 25 matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He maintained a bowling average of 20.48 and an economy rate of 4.58.
Kuldeep’s ability to pick wickets in the middle overs was important for India, especially in white-ball cricket, where his variations regularly broke partnerships and slowed down scoring rates. This year alone, he played a crucial role in India’s victorious Champions Trophy and Asia Cup campaigns, also excelling with the red ball in limited opportunities.
