India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been named the Leading Woman Cricketer in the World for 2025 by the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, capping off a remarkable year in which she played a central role in India’s historic success on the global stage. The announcement was made ahead of the release of Wisden’s 163rd edition, with Deepti’s exceptional all-round performances earning her the prestigious honour. She shares the spotlight with Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who was named the Leading Men’s Cricketer following a dominant year in Test cricket.
Deepti’s crowning achievement came during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, where she emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. She played a pivotal role in helping India secure their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, delivering consistent performances with both bat and ball throughout the competition.
In the final against South Africa, Deepti rose to the occasion with a match-winning display under pressure. She scored a vital 58 runs off 58 balls, anchoring the innings at a crucial stage. She then produced a sensational bowling performance, finishing with figures of 5/39 in 9.3 overs, as India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to lift the trophy. Her all-round effort proved decisive in one of the most important matches in Indian women’s cricket history. Across the tournament, Deepti accumulated 215 runs at an average of 30.71 and claimed 22 wickets at an average of 20.40, underlining her impact in both departments. Her consistent contributions earned her the recognition as Player of the Tournament. She was also the first player to achieve the record of scoring 200+ runs and taking 20+ wickets in a single World Cup edition.
The 27-year-old continued her impressive form beyond the World Cup, dominating the ODI format throughout the year. She finished 2025 as the leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs, picking up 39 wickets at an average of 27.10, the highest tally by any player during the calendar year. Her ability to break partnerships and control the flow of runs made her a key asset in India’s bowling attack.
With the bat, Deepti proved to be equally dependable in the middle order. Whether stabilising the innings or accelerating the scoring rate, she displayed composure and adaptability, further strengthening her reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game.
Apart from the leading cricketers, Wisden also named its traditional Five Cricketers of the Year, recognising standout performances, particularly in England’s home summer. India’s Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj were included in the list.
Published annually since 1864, the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is widely regarded as the “Bible of Cricket”, carrying immense historical and statistical significance within the sport. Its awards are among the most prestigious individual honours a cricketer can receive. The Leading Cricketers in the World are selected based on performances across all international formats over the calendar year, offering a global benchmark of excellence.
Deepti Sharma’s inclusion among the top award winners underscores not just her individual brilliance but also a broader shift in the global cricketing landscape. With increasing visibility, competitiveness, and investment in the women’s game, performances like hers are gaining the recognition they deserve on platforms historically dominated by men’s cricket. Her match-winning contributions in a World Cup-winning campaign highlight the growing standard and intensity of women’s cricket, as well as India’s emergence as a dominant force.