Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma have been named Wisden’s Leading Cricketers in the World in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, with four Indian players also included among the Five Cricketers of the Year.
The honours were announced ahead of the release of the Almanack’s 163rd edition. Starc earned the Leading Men’s Cricketer award after a standout 2025, highlighted by his performances in Test cricket and a decisive role in the Ashes. Deepti Sharma was recognised as the Leading Women’s Cricketer following her key contributions to India’s historic ODI World Cup triumph at home.
Starc, 36, enjoyed an exceptional year in Tests, claiming 55 wickets at an average of 17.32 across 11 matches, including career-best figures of 6 for 9 against West Indies. He continued that form into the 2025-26 Ashes, taking 18 wickets in the first two Tests and finishing the series with 31 wickets at 19.93.
Deepti Sharma, 28, was named Player of the Tournament as India secured their maiden 50-over World Cup title with a 52-run win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Over the course of the competition, she scored 215 runs at an average of 30.71 and picked up 22 wickets at 20.40. Her all-round display in the final included a 58 off 58 balls and bowling figures of 5 for 39.
Four Indians Among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year
India’s presence extended further in the Almanack, with Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj all named among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year. Their recognition followed their performances in the drawn 2-2 Test series against England.
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Gill, who captains India, also received the Wisden Trophy for the year’s outstanding individual performance after scoring 430 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma was named the Leading T20 Player in the World, having scored more than 1000 runs in the format during the calendar year at a strike rate exceeding two runs per ball.
The only English player to receive one of the major honours was Haseeb Hameed. He completed the Five Cricketers of the Year list after leading Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title and scoring 1258 runs at an average of 66.00, including two double-centuries among his four hundreds.
Tribute to Dickie Bird
The Almanack also paid tribute to legendary umpire Dickie Bird, who passed away in September at the age of 92. Former England allrounder Derek Pringle reflected on Bird’s influence, noting his popularity and distinctive style.
“Spectators loved his antics, and almost willed some unforeseen problem his way just to see what he’d do,” Pringle wrote. “His physical presence [was] as commanding and funny as Jacques Tati, the great mime artist. Yet Dickie’s umpiring style would not be tolerated by today’s ICC, who measure the accuracy of decisions, and prize undemonstrative efficiency above personality.”
