Five cricketers who took most wickets across formats in 2025

Published - 27 Dec 2025, 18:40 IST | Updated - 27 Dec 2025, 18:42 IST

In 2025, bowling once again was the backbone of success across formats, with wicket-takers consistently dictating match outcomes. Throughout the year, bowlers picked wickets at regular intervals and never allowed batters to settle. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, their ability to break partnerships at crucial moments swung momentum in their teams’ favour. Many of these wickets came under pressure, often turning contests.

Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav stood out in 2025 as the only Indian cricketer to feature among the top five wicket-takers across all formats. The left-arm wrist-spinner enjoyed a consistent run, picking up 60 wickets in 25 matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He maintained a bowling average of 20.48 and an economy rate of 4.58.

Kuldeep’s ability to pick wickets in the middle overs was important for India, especially in white-ball cricket, where his variations regularly broke partnerships and slowed scoring rates. This year alone, he played crucial roles during India's victorious Champions Trophy and Asia Cup campaigns, and also excelled with the red ball in the limited opportunities.