As we approach the end of the 2025 cricketing calendar, the buzz around who will take home the coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is intensifying. This year has been nothing short of a showcase of brilliance across all formats, highlighted by India’s Champions Trophy victory, an electrifying Ashes series, and the emergence of a fresh wave of all-format talent. While many players have excelled in specific formats, the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award honors those who have consistently shone in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. From Pakistan’s dynamic new captain to India’s prolific run-scorer, let’s take a look at the top four contenders for 2025. Shubman Gill (IND) Shubman Gill has truly made 2025 his own, establishing himself not just as a top batter but as a leader on the world stage. Stepping into the role of India’s all-format captain after Rohit Sharma was no small feat, yet Gill took on the challenge with impressive maturity and consistency. He amassed an incredible 1,764 international runs, finishing the year as the leading run-scorer in global cricket. His achievements weren’t limited to just one format Gill excelled in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, boasting an average close to 50 over 35 matches. The highlight of his year came at Edgbaston, where he scored a monumental 269 against England, setting a new record for the highest individual Test score by an Indian captain. With seven international centuries and a Champions Trophy win under his belt, Gill has certainly made a compelling case for the award. Jacob Duffy (NZ) In a year where batters seemed to take the spotlight, Duffy emerged as the bowler who wouldn’t be outshined. He wrapped up 2025 as the top wicket-taker in international cricket, racking up an impressive 81 wickets across all formats. Duffy was particularly lethal in Tests, snatching 25 wickets in just four matches with a jaw-dropping average of 16.28. His knack for generating movement, pounding the pitch, and making the most of the conditions truly made him New Zealand’s secret weapon. But it wasn’t just his Test performances that stood out; he also made a significant mark in white-ball cricket. With 53 T20I wickets to his name, Duffy showcased his ability to adapt effortlessly, whether it was swinging the new ball or executing clever variations in the final overs. Read also: IPL 2026: 3 Potential Replacements for KKR if Mustafizur Rahman Misses Season Shai Hope (WI) Hope might not always steal the spotlight, but his performance in 2025 is hard to overlook. He wrapped up the year with 1,760 runs, just four runs shy of Gill, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the world. With 42 matches under his belt the second-most among his peers Hope expertly juggled the responsibilities of wicketkeeper and top-order batsman with impressive poise. He notched up 5 centuries and 9 fifties, proving to be a dependable player in a West Indies team that’s starting to find its rhythm again. But his impact went beyond just the numbers. Hope’s steady leadership and crucial innings especially during the challenging tour of New Zealand were key to the Caribbean team's revival. Joe Root (ENG) Root just keeps getting better with age, much like a fine wine. Even after stepping back from T20Is, his dominance in Tests and ODIs in 2025 was undeniable, finishing with an impressive 1,598 international runs, making him the third-highest scorer globally. This year, he also solidified his place in cricket history by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test matches. In ODIs, he was simply unmatched, racking up 808 runs at an average of 65.77, leading the charts. His unbeaten 166 against the West Indies was a classic Root performance: calm, technically flawless, and completely ruthless once he found his rhythm. Tying with Gill for seven international centuries, Root proved that true class never fades. Salman Agha (PAK) If there’s one word that sums up Salman’s 2025, it’s indispensable. He stepped into key leadership roles in white-ball cricket, becoming the backbone of Pakistan’s team across all formats. He played in 56 international matches, more than anyone else on this list, and racked up an impressive 1,569 runs, often in high-pressure situations. Not only did he shine with the bat, but he also made valuable contributions with the ball and was a standout in the slips, snagging 32 Test catches, a fantastic feat for someone who isn’t a specialist fielder. His performance in the Champions Trophy took his reputation to new heights. Unflappable under pressure, Salman delivered the innings of a lifetime, scoring his first ODI century (134) against South Africa and guiding Pakistan through a nail-biting chase.