previous India batter Abhinav Mukund has revealed his 2025 ODI Men’s Team of the Yearheaded by a star-studded eleven Rohit Sharma and anchored in Virat Kohli, But there’s no room for New Zealand’s in-form middle order Darryl Mitchell. The line-up is jam-packed with runs-machines and wicket-takers India, New Zealand, UK, South Africa and west indiesbig prize 2025 Champions Trophy Performance in all conditions and consistency throughout the season.​

Daryl Mitchell still out of position despite performance

Mukunde’s XI was always in the middle, with Mitchell arguably the biggest name to miss out after another impactful year in New Zealand ODIs. The Black Caps star played a key role in the Champions Trophy final, scoring a crucial half-century in Dubai to build a competitive total against India but was still unable to break into Kohli’s core four chosen by Mukund, Matthew Bretzke, Kuala Lumpur Rahul and all-rounder Michael Bracewell.​

Mitchell’s omission underscores how much emphasis Mukund places on overall balance and pure statistical dominance in 2025. Rachin Ravindra New Zealand have locked down a New Zealand batting spot as the Player of the Champions Trophy tournament and have been prolific all season, with limited space remaining once India stalwart and South Africa’s new ‘Mr Consistency’ Britzker is drafted. The decision effectively showed that in Mukund’s eyes, Ravindra’s explosive run-scoring and Bracewell, Santner and three-spin template Adil Rashid New Zealand and England’s all-round spin options are more valuable than adding another specialist middle-order batsman like Mitchell to this particular XI.

Former cricketers announce best ODI squad for 2025

Mukund’s team blends proven big-match flair with 2025 form, starting with India skipper Rohit and New Zealand starlet Ravindra.​

1. Rohit Sharma (c) – Opener

Rohit had a stellar 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 captain.

Rohit Sharma 2025: 14 games | 650 runs | 100.46 strike rate​

2. Rachin Ravindra – Opener

Ravindra was a key figure in New Zealand’s top order, finishing 2025 with 604 ODI runs at an average of 43.14 and a strike rate of 106.90, including multiple centuries, and was awarded the Player of the Match award in the Champions Trophy tournament with 263 runs at 65.75.​

Rachin Ravindra 2025: 14 games | 604 runs | 106.90 strike rate​

3. Virat Kohli – No.3

Kohli had another dominant year in ODIs, averaging over 65 runs in 13 matches and striking at a strike rate of 96.15, reaffirming his key role in pressure chases and one-wicket downs in big matches.

Virat Kohli 2025: 13 games | 651 runs | 96.15 strike rate​

4. Matthew Bretzke – No.4

South African batsman Bretzke has become one of the biggest revelations in 2025, having scored over 700 runs in 12 ODIs at an average of 64.18 and a strike rate of 96.71, hitting a 6-50 in an outstanding debut year.

Matthew Bretzke 2025: 12 games | 706 runs | 96.71 hitting percentage​

Also read: Former cricketers pick best T20I XI 2025, no place for Jasprit Bumrah

5. KL Rahul (Wk) – No.5/6, Goalie

KL Rahul has provided flexibility and composure to India’s midfield order, amassing 367 runs at an average of 52.42 in 2025 and scoring an impressive strike rate of nearly 108 while donning the gloves, which has convinced Mukund to use him as the designated wicketkeeper in this XI.

KL Rahul 2025: 14 games (ODI) | 367 runs | 107.94 strike rate​

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

Bracewell cemented his reputation as a high-impact all-rounder, contributing important runs in midfield and delivering crucial breakthroughs with his off-spin as New Zealand reached the Champions Trophy final.

Michael Bracewell 2025 (ODI): 18 games (ODI) | 368 runs | 98.92 strike rate

7. Mitchell Santner – No. 7, bowling all-rounder

Santner provided control, variety and lower-order stability and played a “huge role” in New Zealand’s attack; he was among the leading ODI seamers with 25 wickets in 2025 while playing as a left-arm spinner.​

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

8. Adil Rashid – No. 8, leg-spinner

England’s Rashid provided Mukund with a third frontline spin option and he collected 30 wickets with outstanding consistency in 15 ODIs, thus maintaining his status as one of the world’s premier limited-overs leg-spinners throughout the year.

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

9. Matt Henry – No. 9, fast bowler

Henry topped the 2025 ODI wicket-taking charts, taking 31 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 18.58, providing New Zealand with new-ball batting and death-over reliability on multiple occasions.
Matt Henry 2025: 13 games | 31 wickets | 5/42 BBI​

10. Jayden Seales – No. 10, fast bowler

west indies pacer Jayden Sears Continuing his meteoric rise, he took 27 wickets at an average of 18.14 in 12 ODIs, including a devastating 6 wickets, underlining his status as one of the most exciting young quicks in the format.

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

11. Jofra Archer – No. 11, fast bowler

Complete eleven, Jofra ArcherRaw pace and accuracy earned him 18 wickets in 9 ODIs at an average of 22.44 and an economy rate of just 5.05, making him an ideal enforcer and death specialist in Mukund’s system.

Jofra Archer 2025: 9 games | 18 wickets | 4/18 overs

Also read: Top 5 Contenders for ICC Cricketer of the Year Award 2025