T20 cricket has become the heartbeat of the modern game, blending explosive athleticism with razor-sharp tactics. From packed stadiums in India to newly energised leagues in the USA and UAE, the format continues to dominate the global stage in 2025. As fans flock to short-format matches for their drama and unpredictability, the spotlight has turned to the stars who consistently shine brightest.

But what defines greatness in T20 cricket today? It’s no longer just about big sixes or raw pace. The best players combine consistency, adaptability, and the ability to deliver in clutch moments across different leagues and conditions. In an era where every ball matters, these cricketers have proven they can turn games in their team’s favour — whether with bat, ball, or brilliance in the field.

This guide highlights the best T20 players in the world right now — based on recent international form, franchise dominance, and sheer impact. Whether you’re new to the game or a lifelong fan, these are the names you need to know in 2025. From prodigies to proven match-winners, let’s break down who’s defining the modern T20 era.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)

Few names have exploded onto the scene in 2025 like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At just 14 years old, he’s already shattered records in the Indian Premier League (IPL), hitting a 35-ball century for the Rajasthan Royals — a knock that included 11 sixes and turned global heads. His fearless batting against experienced bowlers is nothing short of remarkable, blending raw talent with an unteachable instinct for the game.

Suryavanshi’s rise isn’t just a flash in the pan. Analysts and legends alike are tipping him to be the future of Indian cricket, and he’s already showing glimpses of a player who could dominate across all formats. But it’s in T20 cricket where he’s currently rewriting expectations. His shot selection, poise under pressure, and ability to read field placements suggest a cricketing mind well beyond his years.

There’s no doubt he’s earned his place among the best T20 players in the world, not just because of the records but because of how he plays — with flair, confidence, and incredible awareness. If he continues this trajectory, he’ll become the face of T20 cricket’s next generation.

2. Abhishek Sharma (India)

While some stars rise suddenly, Abhishek Sharma has climbed steadily into the spotlight through sheer grit and consistent performances. In early 2025, he smashed 135 off just 54 balls against England in a T20I — a masterclass in controlled aggression that catapulted him to second in the ICC T20I batting rankings.

What makes Sharma stand out is his ability to score quickly without looking reckless. He times the ball effortlessly, punishes loose deliveries, and often dominates spin — a trait highly valued in subcontinent conditions. Equally effective against pace, he’s become a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and is now firmly established in India’s T20 setup.

Sharma is a batter in form, but also in evolution. He’s worked on his off-side game, added reverse sweeps to his arsenal, and improved his fitness to become a reliable outfielder. These are the kinds of marginal gains that elevate a player to the top tier.

In terms of consistency, big-match temperament, and recent accolades, Abhishek Sharma belongs firmly among the best T20 players in the world — not just on paper, but on every pitch he steps onto.

3. Dewald Brevis (South Africa)

Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his resemblance to the great AB de Villiers, Dewald Brevis has continued to carve his own legacy in the T20 world. Known for his aggressive stroke play and fearless intent, Brevis became a household name when he smashed 162 off just 57 balls in a South African domestic T20 — the highest score in the country and the third-highest globally.

He has since become a prized asset for franchises worldwide, featuring prominently for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and MI Cape Town in SA20. Brevis excels against both pace and spin, and his ability to adapt across continents is part of what makes him so valuable. Whether opening the innings or finishing a chase, he brings an unpredictable edge to every match.

Beyond his batting, Brevis is an agile fielder and an occasional leg-spinner, adding depth to any side he joins. Still only 21, his career is just beginning, but the buzz around him is real.

In 2025, Brevis is widely acknowledged as one of the best T20 players in the world, not only for his raw numbers but for the way he shifts momentum and energises crowds with every appearance.

4. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

T20 cricket’s most reliable match-winner with the ball continues to be Rashid Khan. A decade into his international career, the Afghan leg-spinner is still bamboozling batters across the globe. Known for his lightning-quick arm action and unreadable variations, Rashid has become a constant fixture in top T20 leagues, including the IPL, BBL, PSL, and The Hundred.

What sets him apart is his remarkable control and economy rate. In an era where most bowlers struggle to contain scoring, Rashid routinely concedes under six runs per over — even while picking up key wickets. His ability to break partnerships and apply pressure in the middle overs is unmatched. Whether he’s bowling to seasoned internationals or explosive young batters, few manage to dominate him.

He’s also a handy lower-order hitter, capable of swinging games with the bat — which he’s done multiple times for Afghanistan and franchise sides alike. Combine that with his electric fielding, and you’ve got a complete T20 cricketer.

Given his continued dominance and adaptability across conditions, Rashid remains one of the best T20 players in the world. His presence in a team often tilts the balance before a ball has even been bowled.

5. Jos Buttler (England)

A veteran of the T20 format, Jos Buttler continues to be England’s talisman in white-ball cricket. Known for his unshakeable temperament and 360-degree shot-making, Buttler is as comfortable anchoring an innings as he is blasting quickfire fifties. His versatility has made him one of the most feared batters in global cricket — and in 2025, he shows no signs of slowing down.

In the IPL, Buttler has been a consistent force for the Rajasthan Royals, regularly topping run charts and delivering match-winning knocks. His performances in the 2022 T20 World Cup — where he captained England to victory — cemented his legacy, but he’s continued to evolve his game since then. He now expertly balances aggression with responsibility, often playing the situation rather than forcing the tempo.

Buttler also brings leadership and clarity to any dressing room. His calm presence under pressure and strategic nous make him invaluable both on and off the pitch.

With a career strike rate hovering around 145 and a reputation for delivering on the biggest stages, Jos Buttler easily qualifies as one of the best T20 players in the world — a benchmark for both current stars and rising talents.

6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Few players can match the sheer unpredictability and flair of Glenn Maxwell. A T20 specialist through and through, Maxwell thrives in chaos — capable of taking a game away from the opposition in just a few overs. Known for his outrageous reverse sweeps, ramp shots, and fearless approach, he’s often entrusted with finishing innings or rescuing tricky situations.

Maxwell has enjoyed success in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Big Bash with Melbourne Stars, and on the international stage with Australia. His strike rate consistently stays above 150, and he’s just as effective against pace as he is against spin. In 2024, he produced one of the most iconic T20I knocks of all time — a 55-ball 130 against Pakistan, turning a certain loss into a win.

What sets Maxwell apart is not just his batting. He’s also a more-than-useful off-spinner and a phenomenal fielder — especially in the deep, where he pulls off acrobatic catches and sharp run-outs.

With his ability to change games single-handedly, Glenn Maxwell remains one of the best T20 players in the world. He’s the kind of cricketer who ensures no target is ever truly safe and no collapse ever irreversible.

7. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

If you’re looking for early breakthroughs and match-defining opening spells, look no further than Shaheen Shah Afridi. The towering left-arm quick from Pakistan has become one of the most feared new-ball bowlers in T20 cricket. His ability to swing the ball at high speed and attack the stumps from ball one makes him a nightmare for opening batters.

In 2025, Afridi continues to lead Pakistan’s T20 bowling attack with distinction and remains a highly sought-after player in franchise leagues such as the PSL, The Hundred, and the ILT20. His performances in powerplays consistently rank among the best in the format, with his trademark yorkers now a regular feature in death overs too.

What makes Afridi especially valuable is his consistency under pressure. Whether defending a low total or bowling the final over of a tight match, he holds his nerve. His fitness and workload management have also improved, allowing him to play more games across formats.

With a deadly mix of pace, precision, and temperament, Shaheen Shah Afridi deserves recognition among the best T20 players in the world. He’s a bowler who can win you games in the first over — or snatch them back in the last.

8. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

One of the most destructive left-handers in modern T20 cricket, Nicholas Pooran has become a global franchise favourite. With an incredible eye for length and the power to clear boundaries with ease, Pooran has played match-winning innings in nearly every major league — from the IPL and CPL to the UAE’s ILT20 and The Hundred in the UK.

Pooran isn’t just about brute strength. His ability to accelerate during the middle overs and his calm head in run chases make him a complete T20 batter. In 2024, he scored a 40-ball 100 for Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his maturity and timing just as much as his raw hitting.

As a wicketkeeper-batter, his dual role adds further value. He’s sharp behind the stumps, vocal on the field, and increasingly seen as a leader. With the West Indies in rebuild mode, Pooran has been a cornerstone of their batting and a mentor to younger players coming through.

Given his consistency across continents and his rising stature in world cricket, Nicholas Pooran easily ranks among the best T20 players in the world — an entertainer, a finisher, and a match-winner rolled into one.

9. Suryakumar Yadav (India)

Just when bowlers think they’ve seen it all, Suryakumar Yadav unveils another shot that defies logic. From scoops over fine leg to drives flicked off middle stump to third man, his unorthodox range has redefined what’s possible in T20 cricket. In an age where innovation matters as much as power, SKY (as he’s affectionately known) is a standout.

What makes Suryakumar so dangerous isn’t just his flair — it’s his control. He rarely slog-hits. Instead, he carves, slices, and times the ball into gaps no other batter dares target. His strike rate hovers above 170 in T20Is, and he’s now a regular game-changer for both India and the Mumbai Indians.

He’s not a player who just thrives when the going is good. Many of his best innings have come when his team has been under pressure. In 2025, his match-winning 72* against New Zealand on a sluggish pitch in Lucknow was a perfect display of patience and poise blended with audacity.

Given his consistency, versatility, and innovation, Suryakumar Yadav is without question among the best T20 players in the world. He’s not just shaping how modern T20s are played — he’s expanding what we believe is possible.

Conclusion: The Changing Face of Cricket’s Shortest Format and the Best T20 Players in the World

T20 cricket is no longer a novelty. It’s a global obsession — and the players who thrive in it are evolving with frightening speed. The names we’ve explored here represent more than just talent; they reflect the new demands of the format: intelligence, adaptability, explosiveness, and composure under fire.

Whether it’s Shaheen Afridi‘s first-over magic, Suryakumar Yadav’s artistry, or Rashid Khan‘s relentless control, these cricketers are shaping how the game is played and consumed. They are heroes across leagues, continents, and fan bases — blurring the lines between local stardom and global dominance.

But what makes them the best T20 players in the world isn’t just their highlight reels. It’s their ability to perform under pressure, to inspire teams around them, and to reinvent strategies with every passing season. In this format, longevity is earned, not given — and the players on this list have shown they can keep evolving to stay on top.

For new fans, following their journeys offers a perfect window into why T20 cricket is so gripping. For seasoned watchers, it’s a reminder that brilliance is always just one over away. The era of these players isn’t ending anytime soon — it’s just hitting its stride.