India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and batting star Smriti Mandhana have been named among the top honourees in the 2025 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, released this Tuesday.

Bumrah called 'star of the year'

Bumrah was chosen as Wisden's Leading Men's Cricketer in the World in 2024 for his amazing performances across formats. He made history by becoming the first Test bowler to take 200 wickets at an average of less than 20.

Wisden’s editor Lawrence Booth praised Bumrah, calling him “quite simply the star of the year”. In 2024, Bumrah took 71 Test wickets at an average of under 15 and played a major role in India’s T20 World Cup win in the Caribbean in June.

Bumrah’s standout moment came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He picked up 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, leading the Indian bowling attack almost alone.

Booth wrote, “He was so lethal, so uniquely challenging, a staccato of limbs somehow forming a symphony, that runs scored off him should have counted double… he laid a claim to be considered the greatest of all time.”

Smriti Mandhana shines bright

India’s Smriti Mandhana was also honoured by Wisden, receiving the title of the Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World. In 2024, she scored a record-breaking 1,659 runs in international cricket, the most by any woman in a single year.

Mandhana hit four ODI centuries, setting another record. She notched up her second Test century with a commanding 149-run knock in India’s ten-wicket victory over South Africa in June.

Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies was named Wisden’s Leading T20 Cricketer in the World, acknowledging his explosive performances over the year.

Five cricketers of the year: 

Every year, Wisden also names Five Cricketers of the Year, a special honour given just once in a player’s career, based on performances in the English domestic season. Surrey County Cricket Club made a notable appearance this year.

Jamie Smith – Star wicketkeeper-batter for Surrey.

Gus Atkinson – Fastest bowler known for pace and accuracy.

Dan Lawrence – Top batter from Essex.

Nathan Lyon – Australia’s top spinner during the Ashes.

Mark Stoneman – Veteran opener who gave Surrey a solid break.

About Wisden

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is one of cricket’s oldest and most respected publications. Each year, it honours the best players from around the world, and this year’s edition continues that tradition by celebrating outstanding talent from India, the West Indies, Australia, and England.

 

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