14 April 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma have been named the Leading Cricketers in the World by the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, recognising their exceptional performances during the 2025 season.
The announcement comes ahead of the release of the 163rd edition of the Wisden Almanack, often referred to as the “Bible of cricket.” The annual honour is awarded to the best male and female cricketers in the world based on their performances across formats over the previous year.
Mitchell Starc was named the Leading Men’s Cricketer in the World, following a remarkable year in Test cricket. The left-arm fast bowler delivered a dominant performance in 2025, taking 55 wickets in just 11 Tests at an impressive average of 17.32. His ability to consistently strike with the new ball and deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments made him one of the most feared bowlers in international cricket.
Starc’s performances were instrumental in Australia’s success across major series, including high-profile contests such as the Ashes. His pace, swing, and accuracy once again underlined his status as one of the premier fast bowlers of his generation.
On the women’s side, Deepti Sharma was awarded the Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World, capping off a historic year for Indian cricket. The all-rounder played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, where she was named Player of the Tournament.
Deepti’s all-round brilliance stood out throughout the tournament. She scored 215 runs and picked up 22 wickets, showcasing her ability to influence games with both bat and ball. In the final against South Africa, she delivered a match-winning performance, scoring a crucial half-century and taking five wickets to secure India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
Her consistency extended beyond the World Cup, making her one of the most impactful players in women’s cricket during the year. The recognition by Wisden reflects her growing stature as a global cricketing star.
The Wisden awards this year also highlighted the dominance of Indian cricketers on the global stage. Several Indian players featured prominently across categories, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj, who were named among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year.
In addition, Abhishek Sharma was recognised as the Leading T20 Cricketer in the World after a sensational year in the shortest format.
The awards underline a shift in global cricketing balance, with India’s players increasingly making their mark across formats and competitions. The country’s success in international tournaments and bilateral series has translated into individual recognition at the highest level.
For Starc, this honour adds another milestone to an already illustrious career. Having been a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack for over a decade, his continued excellence highlights his longevity and adaptability in modern cricket.
For Deepti Sharma, the award represents a defining moment in her career. As women’s cricket continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the world.
The Wisden Leading Cricketer awards are considered among the most prestigious individual honours in the sport. Unlike many awards that focus on specific formats or tournaments, Wisden evaluates performances across the entire year, making it a comprehensive recognition of excellence.
Cricket experts have widely praised the selections, noting that both Starc and Deepti delivered match-winning performances consistently throughout the year. Their contributions were not only statistically impressive but also came in high-pressure situations.
The 2026 edition of the Wisden Almanack also reflects on key events and trends in world cricket, including major series outcomes and emerging talents. However, the spotlight remains firmly on the standout performers who defined the year.
In conclusion, Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma’s recognition as Wisden’s Leading Cricketers in the World underscores their exceptional achievements in 2025. Their performances have not only brought success to their respective teams but also elevated their status as global cricketing icons.
Summary
Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma were named Wisden’s Leading Cricketers after stellar 2025 performances, with Starc dominating Tests and Deepti starring in India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph.