The cricket calendar of 2025 was a relentless test of endurance, requiring players to switch between the grit of Test matches and the explosive nature of T20Is without a moment’s rest.
In this high-pressure landscape, 10 batsmen rose above the rest, but none captured the imagination quite like Zimbabwe’s rising star, Brian Bennett.
The most refreshing story of 2025 was the emergence of Zimbabwe’s opening batsman, Brian Bennett.
Finishing the year as the fourth-highest run-scorer in international cricket, Bennett has officially transitioned from a promising prospect to a global elite.
In 39 matches, Bennett amassed 1 585 runs at an average of 35.22.
What truly set him apart was his fearless strike rate of 109.31, a testament to his ability to dictate terms against the world's best bowling attacks.
Recording three centuries and eight fifties, Bennett provided a rebuilding Zimbabwe side with something invaluable: aggressive momentum at the top of the order.
Whether setting the tempo in T20s or showing newfound patience in longer formats, Bennett’s 2025 season was a glimpse into a future that Zimbabwe cricket desperately needs.
While Bennett was the breakout star, Shubman Gill claimed the top spot.
Appointed captain of India’s Test and ODI squads, Gill thrived under responsibility, scoring 1 764 runs with seven centuries.
Close behind him was the West Indies' Shai Hope, who finished with 1 760 runs.
As the spine of the Caribbean batting lineup, Hope’s methodical approach allowed him to anchor innings while his teammates played with more freedom.
England’s Joe Root continued his march toward greatness, finishing third with 1 613 runs and a staggering average of 53.76.
Pakistan’s Salman Agha proved his utility as vice-captain, contributing 1,569 runs across a heavy schedule of 56 matches.
England’s Harry Brook (1,527 runs) and Ben Duckett (1,484 runs) maintained their "Bazball" intensity, ensuring England stayed aggressive across formats.
Meanwhile, Karanbir Singh, representing Austria, emerged as the year's statistical anomaly, scoring 1,488 runs at a massive strike rate of 174.85 in Associate cricket.
Rounding out the top 10 were Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (1,414 runs) and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (1,382 runs).
Both players solidified their roles as their respective nations' most dependable assets, with Ravindra’s 49.35 average confirming his evolution into a world-class all-format player.
The 2025 rankings prove that modern batting is no longer just about talent; it is about adaptability.
From the leadership of Gill to the raw, aggressive brilliance of Bennett, these ten men defined the year.
For Zimbabwe, Bennett’s fourth-place finish isn't just a statistic — it is a statement that they finally have a world-class opener capable of standing toe-to-toe with the giants of the game.