Over 2.5 billion people in the world follow cricket. They love and breathe the game day in and day out. It is because of the players that fans support a particular sport. Cricket is full of legendary players who have excelled over the years and have made names for themselves. Their on-field impact becomes indelible, and the off-field demeanour decides their personality. Their commitment towards the game, unmatched performances, precious moments, and sportsmanship win the hearts of multitudes of fans and make them loyal for life.

Their strong social media and public presence, associations while endorsing brands, public speaking, community, support for national, social, and environmental causes, make them morally right and an inspiration for all. The way they dress up, present themselves, and focus on their looks gives them an aesthetic edge. All these fetch immense fandom across platforms and make them gain unparalleled love from all those who admire them. 

See Also: Top 6 most successful cricket coaches globally

Let's take a look at the top ten most popular cricketers in the world, and the list might be completely unsurprising.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the most popular and widely followed cricketer in the world. He boasts a staggering social media following across platforms and is recognised as the best batter of this generation. Nicknamed 'Cheeku', 'King Kohli', 'Run-Machine', and 'Chasemaster', the legendary player has, on multiple occasions, outperformed the opposition by producing scintillating innings. He has the second-highest number of international centuries and the most in ODI cricket. As the Test captain, under him, India won the ICC mace twice in succession, and with that, he became the most successful red ball skipper of India.

Kohli's popularity and stardom stem from his elite and impressive performances, record-breaking feats, ultimate physique, and strong personality. These attributes have earned him massive sponsorship deals and increased his brand value. He's tagged as the 'National Icon' of India.

2. MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been India's greatest ever and most successful skipper across formats. Under him, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His composure and the ability to stay calm under tense situations earned him the title of 'Captain Cool'. In IPL, MS-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the most glorious and followed franchise. His achievements at all levels of cricket, the ability to close out games, which has earned him the designation of the greatest finisher in the game, evergreen personality, long hair, and inclusive nature, make him the second most popular cricketer in the world. 

3. Rohit Sharma 

Rohit Sharma, fondly regarded as 'Hitman', is one of the most famous cricketers in the world. His recent success as captain of the Indian white ball team, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, solidified his stature as an Indian great. Over the years, his exploits with the Mumbai Indians, winning five IPL trophies, have made him a serial winner.

The Indian opener's timeless and effortless batting prowess, on course towards setting several milestones, is a source of awe and amazement. He is the only batter with three double hundreds in ODI cricket, with 264 as the highest score. His intrinsically humorous and straightforward nature complements his personality extremely well. 

4. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, referred to as the 'God of Cricket', is a global sensation and widely known as the best batter the game has ever seen. His batting genius and consistency earned him infinite laurels in his career, and he bowed down with the 2011 ODI World Cup and smashing 100 international centuries, the only ever player hitherto, to reach that auspicious landmark. He hung his boots with the highest ever international runs among any player. He debut at 16 and his cricketing life is celebrated eternally. His legacy is unmatched and an inspiration to millions of sports fans. 

5. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Himanshu Pandya is one of India's most fashionably conscious celebrities. His aesthetic style, demeanour, on-field aggression, immaculate all-round abilities, and a knack for being the team's saviour make him a glorious cricketer and personality. He is more liked by the fans of the current generation, and his cool attitude is something everyone aspires to follow and possess. All these characteristics make him quite popular. He, dubbed as 'Kungfu Pandya' by several cricket pundits, however, has been involved in a few controversies, but came out of them and saved his image from getting tarnished. He now has more fans than ever and is widely recognised as the best all-rounder since Kapil Dev.

6. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling spearhead, has taken pace bowling to an elite level. He is considered the best bowler of this generation, across formats. He is unplayable on the majority of the occasions and a nightmare for all the batters. His bowling wits outsmart the batters and that is what makes him special. He is a well known figure publically thanks to his impeccable bowling skills. He has been termed as the "National Asset' of India by several people for his unique qualities. 

7. David Warner

David Warner, referred to as 'The Pocket Size Dynamite', is a swashbuckling Aussie opener who has retired from international cricket but still plays in some of the franchise leagues across the world. He is known for his explosive batting and the ability to strike boundaries at will. The left-hander has been an IPL icon over the years and gained love from millions of fans during his time in India. While playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he led them to the IPL title in 2016 and made a regular name for himself in the South Indian household, courtesy of that. This fetched him several advertisements, and eventually, he entered the film industry as well. He could be seen enacting popular moves of the famous actors while on the field, and that brought him an immense fan following.

8. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh was India's backbone as a promising left-handed batter in the National Cricket Team for several years. His notable achievements include winning the 2002 Natwest Series in England, the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he smashed 6 sixes in an over, and claiming the 2011 ODI World Cup as the man of the tournament. The elegant player from Punjab was a warrior off the field as well. His successful battle against cancer, during his playing days, earned him massive respect from all fraternities. His strong social media presence and rationalising the morals of the current society, while motivating younger players, make him as one of the most regarded sportspersons worldwide.  

9. AB de Villiers

Abraham Benjamin De Villiers, also known as 'ABD' or 'Mr. 360' was an illustrious player from South Africa. He also played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL for several years. He was a batting maverick, his shots were breathtaking, sensational, and all around the park, which led to him being acronymed as 'Mr. 360'. His camaraderie with Virat Kohli was the talk of the town every time he stepped foot on the Indian shores. His striking and innovative power was supreme and wonderful. His positive and amicable nature earned him humongous love and fandom from all corners of society.

10. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, the skipper of the England Test Team, is a very popular figure in sports. He is one of the most widely recognised non-Indian cricketers in the world. He is a gifted player, a proper all-rounder, and has produced unbelievable innings for his nation. His magical efforts won England their maiden ODI World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022. His gobsmacking batting display also took the Three Lions home in an Ashes match in 2019. He is quite vocal and always professes to the betterment of the game. His commitment towards fitness and test cricket is extremely commendable. He is looked up to by many budding players for his great cricketing skills. 

Cricket being the most viewed sport across the world, it pays the best cricketers in the world handsome amounts of money in the form of match fees, endorsements, and league contracts. International cricket boards and the Indian Premier League contribute significantly to the income. Let us have a glance at the world's top 10 highest-paid cricketers until May 2025 based on their total earnings from cricket and endorsements.

1. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli remains the highest-paid cricketer in the world, bringing in approximately $36.2 million a year. He is an A+ player in the eyes of the BCCI and is very well paid for his cricket-playing ability. To add to this, he has two lucrative IPL contracts and many endorsement deals. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025, leaving him focused on ODIs and the IPL, which still pays a lot of money. In case anyone forgot just how rich Kohli is, he is currently engaged to Bollywood superstar actress Anushka Sharma.

2. MS Dhoni (India)

MS Dhoni may have retired from international cricket, but he is still earning around $30 million each year in IPL and endorsements. As the captain of Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni has important brand value and endorsements, which keep him in the highest tier of earners. It's Dhoni’s intelligence and strategy for the game, especially on how to plan for life after cricket, that continue to earn him significant money.

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson earns an estimated $28 million annually, with a major portion of his income came from his IPL stint with the Gujarat Titans and consistent earnings from international matches. Known for his calm demeanor and dependable performances across formats, Williamson has become a highly respected figure in the cricketing world. His composed leadership style and consistency make him a fan favorite and a top choice for various brands. Endorsements and sponsorships further boost his income, as companies are drawn to his trustworthy image and widespread appeal. Williamson’s steady presence both on and off the field cements his financial success.

See Also: Top 10 records held by Virat Kohli in Test cricket

4. Pat Cummins (Australia)

Pat Cummins makes around $26 million a year, courtesy of his IPL deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad and payments from the Australian Cricket Board. His leadership and bowling skills in Tests and ODIs contribute to his worth. Cummins' recent WTC final preparation is an indicator of his significance to cricket.

5. Joe Root (England)

Joe Root's income amounts to $24 million, backed by his England contract and IPL contracts. His record-breaking Test runs and sponsorships keep him in a strong financial position. Root's inclusion in the 2025 IPL season with Rajasthan Royals contributes to his income.

6. Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes makes approximately $22 million with his all-around abilities and IPL deals. His leadership in Tests and exciting play in limited-overs cricket add to his marketability. Stokes' participation in the 2025 IPL with Punjab Kings is a major revenue stream.

7. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma’s annual income is approximately $20 million, driven by his Mumbai Indians captaincy and BCCI payments. His T20 World Cup success and endorsements boost his earnings. Sharma’s focus on white-ball cricket post-Kohli’s Test retirement keeps him relevant.

8. David Warner (Australia)

David Warner makes around $18 million, with much of it coming from the IPL and international cricket. His attacking batting and popularity in T20 leagues are money-making factors. Warner's announcement of retirement from international cricket in 2024 has not affected his IPL income.

9. Steve Smith (Australia)

Steve Smith, one of the most accomplished cricketers in the modern era, has an estimated income of around \$17 million. This impressive financial standing is largely driven by his stellar performances in Test cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has consistently showcased his world-class skills. Known for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting technique, Smith has been a cornerstone of Australia's success in the longest format of the game. His reliability and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset both on and off the field. 

10. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Jasprit Bumrah makes about $16 million, courtesy of his Mumbai Indians IPL contract and BCCI match payments. He is among the highest-paid by virtue of his status as one of the premier fast bowlers and endorsers. Bumrah's ability to perform across all formats secures him among the highest-earning.

On Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 14-member squad for the 1st Test match against India, set to start on June 20 at Headingley Carnegie. ECB has made some bold decisions for the highly anticipated clash. The upcoming ENG vs. IND 5-match Test series will mark a new cycle for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) for both of the teams. Pace bowling allrounder Jamie Overton handed over a shocking recall for the first competition of the series.

Overton was not in their initial plan; a hamstring injury to his Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson paved a path for Overton to make a Test team return. Atkinson is already ruled out of the match due to injury. Jamie made his only Test appearance in Leeds against New Zealand in June 2022. In that match the Englishman scored 97 in the first innings and bagged a couple of wickets.

Due to multiple reasons, including injury concerns, England selectors made multiple changes in the squad. Ben Stokes will lead the team after returning from a hamstring injury; Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes also find their places in the mix. Carse recovered from the toe injury that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy after the opening match, and Wokes was not in the setup for the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe.

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In 2024, when India last faced England in whites, players like James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson were marked by their presence. While Anderson took retirement , the other three cricketers are not in the setup. 

Series Loading : ◼◼◼◻

Who is the first name in your XI?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YxUeU4Vv3z

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2025

England squad for first Test against India:

Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

On the third day of the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Harry Brook pulled off a sensational one-handed catch to dismiss Wessly Madhevere. The remarkable effort came at a crucial moment when Madhevere and Sikandar Raza were building a steady fifth-wicket partnership. Ben Stokes, who brought himself into the attack, delivered a back-of-a-length ball that bounced more than expected. Madhevere edged it, and Brook, stationed at second slip, reacted instantly to take a stunning flying catch, leaving even Stokes and skipper Ben Stokes in disbelief.

The catch was far from easy, yet Brook managed to hold on cleanly with one hand, earning loud applause from teammates and commentators alike. Joe Root showed his delight as Brook’s brilliance helped break the key stand. The commentators couldn't stop praising the athleticism and sharp reflexes on display. Brook's fielding effort not only uplifted the team’s energy but also added to the excitement of an already competitive contest, highlighting how one moment of brilliance can change the game’s momentum.

Also Read: IPL: Good news for RCB fans Australian star player return to RCB

Although the catch by Brook was the highlight of the match when England was in total control. After putting up a huge 565 for 6 declared first innings total, England's bowlers, particularly Shoaib Bashir, took advantage of the scoreboard pressure. Bashir, playing only in his second Test, took 9 wickets match haul for Zimbabwe and broke down the English innings with a six-for in the second innings. In less than three days, the test match was completed, with England winning by an innings and 45 runs.

Brook's outstanding catch came in England's Test success

While Zimbabwe suffered a heavy defeat, there were a few shining moments. Veteran Brian Bennett smashed 139 off only 97 balls in the first innings, the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwean and the highest Test score by Zimbabwe away from home. Sean Williams also added a solid 88 in the second innings, but their performance with the bat was not enough to carry the match forward into a fourth day.

Watch the video here

You're a wizard, Harry 🧙‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/AEsn6PnwAo

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 24, 2025

The one-off test match for England was a chance to showcase bench strength and provide form going into harder assignments. The catch by Brook showed the intensive focus in the field and could prove to be useful for forging a spin in forthcoming tours, also from Bashir's bowling. This performance leaves England in high spirits as they gear up for their next series against India.

The legacy Virat Kohli left behind in Whites will be a talking point in the future also. India, now preparing their squad for the upcoming Test series against England, is set to travel with Virat Kohli. Team India without Virat— England skipper Ben Stokes can't believe this is going to happen so early.

Stokes revealed his emotions about Virat Kohli without any hesitation, which proved the greatness of the former Indian captain beyond any kind of boundaries. Virat retired just after Rohit Sharma announced his departure from the longest format of the game, which left BCCI with a very limited number of senior players for the England tour, which is set to begin on June 20 and will conclude officially on August 4.

Ben Stokes, during an online conversation, said about the Delhi-born batter, "I texted him on his retirement & said, Such a shame that you won't be here (for the five-match Test series)."

Read More: 'Don't take that extra pressure'— MS Dhoni's words of wisdom for youngsters

Stokes was eager to see Virat Kohli in the upcoming England vs India 5-match Test series 

Without the service of Sharma and Kohli, Team India will start a fresh World Test Championship (WTC) circle with a new skipper. On the other hand, England can structure their lineup with multiple new faces, as some of their key players are still recovering from injury. 

Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement: [ECB Website/Bharat Sharma]

"I texted him on his retirement & said such a shame that you won't be here (for five Tests)". pic.twitter.com/iWIrC4zPet

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 21, 2025

Ben Stokes himself will return to international competition after a long spell of injury. Before the five-Test match series against India, the Three Lions will face Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, where Stokes' performance will be under the scanner. 

India A squad for preparations in English conditions: Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (Vice-Captain & WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey

Ben Stokes has made a bold and impactful decision ahead of the much-anticipated Test series between England and India. The move, if executed as intended, could set a powerful precedent not just for fellow cricketers but for athletes across various sports. Known for his fearless approach both on and off the field, Stokes’ choice highlights his commitment to the game and his leadership qualities. Fans and experts alike are keenly watching how this decision will influence the upcoming series.

Stokes, one of England's best all-rounders of all time, last played his international match in December 2024. Since then, he has been out of any type of contest due to a hamstring injury. Before the series against India, the Three Lions will face Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, where Stokes can make his comeback. As per reports, the star cricketer is nearing the conclusion of rehabilitation.

 As knowledgeable people say, hard times come with wise lessons. Ben Stokes has a self-realization about this injury. In a podcast, the 33-year-old cricketer revealed that since January this year, he has not consumed a single drop of alcohol; that's only to make the body more favorable for a quick recovery. Stokes even thinks that perhaps consumption of alcohol could've exacerbated his hamstring issue. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians latest Playoff qualification scenario after DC vs GT game

Stokes explained the reasons behind his decision 

In a conversation, Ben Stokes admitted that he and a few others had a drink four or five nights earlier, and questioned whether that might have affected his condition, acknowledging that it likely didn’t help. He then realized it was time to start making changes in his lifestyle. Although he mentioned he doesn’t think he’ll ever be completely sober, he revealed that he hasn’t had a drink since January 2 and made a promise to himself to stay off alcohol until he completes his injury rehab and returns to the field.

"We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago; could that have played a part?' It wouldn't have helped. Then I was like, 'OK, I need to start changing what I do.' I don't think I'll ever be completely sober, but I've not had a drink since January 2. I said to myself, Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field," Stokes said in a conversation. 

🚨 STOKES QUIT ALCOHOL. 🚨

- Ben Stokes decides to quit Alcohol to stay fit for India Test series and the Ashes. Drinking might've contributed to his recurring hamstring injury. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/IRXRg1JicG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025

From this month (May), England will have to face a tight schedule with matches after matches, starting with a one-off series against Zimbabwe, followed by ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Then England will host a 5-match Test series against India, which will mark a new circle of the World Test Championship (WTC). 

Over the years, tattoos have become a part of cricket. Tattoo is not just a style statement for everyone; it is a medium of expression. Like a delicate cover drive or a cut shot over the point, a well-inked tattoo is an art; art can’t live without artists, and cricketers are the artists on the lush green surface with a bat or ball in hand. In the era of limited-over cricket, over the bowlers, batters mostly remain under the spotlight. Roaring, blazing, thunderous… these are some of the words we often use to describe how fearless a batsman was on the crease. Tattoos can’t talk or write, but they can demonstrate.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s love for tattoos is on another level. He has over 10 tattoos on his body that depict the star batter's important events in his life, like his ODI number, his parents, and spiritual beliefs. But there is a samurai tattoo over his bicep, which stands out among all. "I felt like these are the same characteristics that I share. I've had to fight for everything that I've gotten in life so far, and I will have to be this person all my life because of the choices that I will keep making. And hence it was a representation of me wanting to do something so badly, which was wanting to become a professional cricketer," he said in an interview.

Ben Stokes

The England international’s upper body part is tightly wrapped with tattoos; a massive lion pride links his back. According to media reports, it took almost 28 hours to complete the tattoo. The tattoo, which depicts a lion, a lioness, and a couple of cubs, symbolizes Stokes himself as the lion, his better half as the lioness, and their two children as the cubs, like a family portrait.

Read More: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma unboxes precious gift for Mohammed Siraj on ground

Chris Gayle

When we talked about a lion tattoo and Ben Stokes, we had to discuss Chris Gayle, the Caribbean giant. A few years back, there was a tattoo war on social media. Gayle played for Punjab Kings (previously known as Kings XI Punjab), and Stokes represented Rajasthan Royals. Royals, in a social media post, flexed about his lion tattoo on his back. Punjab responded with another lion tattoo linked to Gayle’s chest, mostly on the front side of his body, a roaring lion with wings.

Hardik Pandya

Another Indian cricketer to join the party, Hardik Pandya. The lanky, full all-rounder has a bunch of small- and medium-sized tattoos on his body. But a lion tattoo on his forearm steals the show.

Suryakumar Yadav

The swashbuckling batter is a pure team man on the field and a family person off the field. His love for tattoos can’t be differentiated from his family. Yadav inked his parents' faces on his shoulder and the name of his wife, Devisha, on his chest, along with a Maori tattoo, which indicates Yadav’s ancestry.  

KL Rahul

“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.” This was how KL Rahul described his love for tattoos. Like other players in the list, the versatile cricketer also has multiple tattoos on his body, out of which a tattoo on his arm with tribal art is the most eye-catching. 

Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time IPL-winning franchise, has proved their ante after winning 4 games in a row. They are set to face Lucknow Super Giants today (April 27) at the Wankhede Stadium. Ahead of the match, an unexpected scene was captured: Ben Stokes has arrived in the town, and he was received by MI officials. 

According to the latest claims on social media, the England star all-rounder was at the team hotel yesterday. Mumbai Indians are currently in fifth spot on the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points in 9 games. The last 8 points came in from the previous 4 matches, which shows how the former champion is turning the table. 

The arrival of Ben Stokes has sparked speculations among cricket fans, questioning, is he set to join the Mumbai Indians? The answer is yet to be clear, as MI has left no slot for a foreign player, and their first combined XI has precisely done their job on the field. 

Read More: MI VS LSG IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Mumbai Indians to acquire Ben Stokes for remaining of the IPL 2925 season?

Foreigners like Rayan Rickelton, Trent Boult, and Will Jacks are proving their mettle in blue and gold. Despite an undefeated 4-match winning streak, there are some spots MI management can want to improve more to increase their chance of getting a playoff spot.

Ben Stokes' IPL career remained quiet, underwhelming. The allrounder played a total of 45 Indian Premier League matches for 3 different teams, with a batting average of 24.60 and claimed 28 wickets. His best IPL score is unbeaten 107 and 3/15 the best bowling spell produced by Stokes. 

Watch the video here:

🚨BEN STOKES IN MUMBAI INDIANS👀?

"Ben Stokes was seen with the Mumbai Indians team yesterday at the MI team hotel and when he arrived in Mumbai, Mumbai Indians officials came to pick up him."👀 pic.twitter.com/yTLNK6ndkg

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) April 27, 2025

MI IPL 2025 Squad: Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Angad Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur.

MI Overseas Player Slots Remaining: 0

English cricket is likely to undergo captaincy changes in both shorter formats, with swashbuckling batsman Harry Brook the most probable new T20I skipper. Captain of England’s ODI team, though, could either be Brook or the one with lots of experience, Ben Stokes.

Brook to Replace in T20Is

Harry Brook is reportedly England's pick to be the new T20I captain. The 25-year-old is one of the names on the lips of English cricket fans due to his aggressive batting style and his skills displayed when the situation calls. England goes into the T20 World Cup with the appointment of Brook, which obviously means that they are looking to play with more intent and without fear.

Also Read: KKR vs SRH IPL 2025: Who is SRH's new all arounder Kamindu Mendis?

As it is, Brook has been playing a frontline role in England's T20 team and has made an impact in the world through his various domestic and franchise performances. Awards and recognition have also been coming his way for his excellence in leadership, and because of that, he has been named as the next captain to Jos Buttler if he leaves his place eventually.

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

ODI Captaincy: Brook vs Stokes

While it may seem that Brook has got the T20I captaincy already, ODI captaincy is a different story. Ben Stokes is not out of the picture of becoming the ODI captain of England; he currently serves his national team in Test formats and is still determined to lead it as a senior and recognised player in his upcoming games in the World Cup and the Ashes series.

🚨 BROOK & STOKES AS CAPTAINS. 🚨

- Harry Brook set to become England's T20i captain.

- Brook or Ben Stokes could become England's ODI captain. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/EB8hzoo4zG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 3, 2025

Also Read: Rinku Singh’s 50th IPL Milestone: A journey of grit and glory

The choice of Ben Stokes as England ODI captain would still be sensible considering that he led his country to a historic World Cup victory in 2019 and contributed to the other important successes of the team in different formats. On the other hand, Stokes recently declared his retirement from ODIs, which implies doubts about him as the long-term captain. If a long-term leader is essential, Brook would be the perfect choice, ensuring that the 50-over match continues under new dynamics among players.

England’s Leadership Transition

England is in a dilemma with the future of Buttler as the limited-overs captain being unclear and Eoin Morgan still highly revered for his leadership. If they now hand the baton to Brook to lead the limited-overs format for both white-ball and red-ball, this will be where it all begins, but handing Stokes the ODI reins would provide stability and experience.

As England’s cricket board deliberates, all eyes will be on the official announcement that could shape the team’s white-ball future for years to come.

ECB director Rob Key has been disappointed with England's recent performance in the Champions Trophy where they couldn't able to a single match. England had found themselves back to the conceptual era before 2015 despite having talented players in their squad. It was the man Eion Morgan and his co-supporter Ben Stokes who just reshaped England cricket after an early exit from the 2015 ODI World Cup.

Read More: IPL Players Who Struck Fastest IPL Hundred

Morgan inspired us that we are still playing old-fashioned cricket where it has developed a lot, we have to change our thinking and be more aggressive. And they just revamped their brand of cricket which suited and helped them too. That resulted in them winning their first ODI World Cup title in 2019. But after that when their former players retired everything changed drastically. 

Rob Key Highlighting About Key Member

Key has highlighted that bringing back Ben Stokes will be an ideal solution for this and can be named as Captain for the team who can groom these players with his experience. He brings that quality and value to the team. The team needs some inspiration. After a poor outing in the Champions Trophy, their captain Jos Butler has resigned from captaincy. He tented and thanked the management for the opportunity. Now after him, there are several names aroused but Key is more worried about the quality because captaincy comes with added pressure. 

Read More: BCCI Has Regulated Strict New Rules To Be Followed In IPL 2025

Stokes is considered an inspiration in England who played a major role in the triumph of two world titles. Players like Stokes are generational, Stokes left limited-overs cricket after the 2023 World Cup.  Though he hinted at revoking back the retirement and being available in the Champions Trophy a sudden Hamstring injury during the New Zealand test series had penetrated him to do so. Stokes after his limited overs retirement has fully focused on test format. 

Mccllum And Stokes Partnership In Need For Odi

Former New Zealand player and explosive batsman Brenden McCullum was appointed as England test team coach and the combination of Bazzball has been surreal which revamped the English test cricket too. This was tried in the ODI too after a successful test regime Mccllum was handed over the ODI coaching, here it was a bit different for him and he wasn't able to produce the desired results despite having world-class players. 

11 out of 10 matches Mccllum has lost which includes the recent India series. It's been an idea to bring back Ben to calm the guys and to show them the path how it has to handle the pressure in most difficult times.