T20I team of the year 2025: Best Men Playing 11 of the Calendar Year

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T20I team of the year 2025: Best Men Playing 11 of the Calendar Year: The year 2025 was nothing short of an exhilarating journey for cricket fans. Several new stars emerged in every format of the game this year, but the T20 International (T20I) format saw the most dazzling performances. Now, with only a few weeks left until the 2026 T20 World Cup, the performances of the past year have become crucial for player confidence and team selection.

After a thorough analysis of the statistics and performances of 2025, we have compiled the best T20 playing XI of this calendar year. Let's take a look at the players who have amazed the world with their batting, bowling, and all-round performances.

Top Order

1. Abhishek Sharma (India)

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The year 2025 was like a dream for young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. He scored 859 runs in 21 matches at an average of 42.95 and an incredible strike rate of 193.46. His one century and five half-centuries prove that he has become one of the most dangerous openers in the world.

2. Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)

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This young player from Zimbabwe surprised everyone with his talent. Bennett scored 936 runs in 25 matches, including one century and six half-centuries. His world-class performance coming from an emerging team makes him special.

3. Jos Buttler (Captain and Wicketkeeper - England)

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England's Jos Buttler will captain this team. He scored 480 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 164.38. His leadership qualities and agility behind the wicket make him an indispensable part of this Playing XI.

Middle Order

4. Tilak Varma (India)

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Tilak Varma proved his all-round talent in 2025. With 567 runs in 18 innings, the innings he played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final proved that he is a player for big matches.

5. Tim David (Australia)

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Australia's Tim David wreaked havoc in the middle order. 395 runs in just 10 innings, including a century and three half-centuries, demonstrate his impact. He has the ability to turn the match around in just a few overs.

All-rounders

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This team's all-round department looks the most balanced in the world.

• 6. Hardik Pandya (India): Returning from injuries, Hardik scored 302 runs in 12 innings and took 12 crucial wickets.
• 7. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Raza remained the backbone of Zimbabwe. He scored 536 runs and also took 23 wickets.
• 8. Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan): This was a fantastic year for Nawaz. He scored 362 runs and took 36 wickets at an average of just 13.61.

Bowling Attack

9. Varun Chakravarthy (India)

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India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy troubled batsmen with his spin. Taking 36 wickets in 18 innings with an economy rate of 7.08 shows his accuracy. He was the biggest weapon for taking wickets in the middle overs.

10. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)

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The Kiwi fast bowler Jacob Duffy impressed with his consistency. He strengthened New Zealand's fast bowling attack by taking 35 wickets in 21 matches this season.

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh Predicts T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finalists, No England

11. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

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For Bangladesh's 'The Fizz', Mustafizur Rahman, 2025 was a year of returning to his old form. He bamboozled some of the world's best batsmen with his cutters and slower balls. Mustafizur bowled brilliantly in the death overs this calendar year, taking 38 wickets in 24 matches. His economy rate and ability to take wickets at crucial moments make him the most reliable death bowler in this team.

Best T20I Playing XI of 2025

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Brian Bennett
3. Tilak Varma
4. Jos Buttler (Captain/Wicketkeeper)
5. Tim David
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Sikandar Raza
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Varun Chakravarthy
10. Jacob Duffy
11. Mustafizur Rahman

Also Read: Australia Announces Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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