In modern cricket, bowlers have transformed from just supporting roles to becoming match winners, crowd favorites, and key players for their teams. A bowler is not only required to swing the ball in Test matches but also to bowl accurately in ODIs and deliver good yorkers in T20s, as the best bowlers now have to perform well in all forms of the game.

We are counting down to discover who is the world best bowler by examining the world best 3 bowlers in world Test, ODI, and T20 cricket in 2025.

What Defines the Best Bowler?

We’ll explore the details of the format once we dive into what makes a bowler the best:

  • Wicket taking ability
  • Consistency over time
  • Economy rate and strike rate
  • Performing under pressure moments
  • Adapting to every game scenario.

Keeping all these in mind and how they are performing right now, the following are the best bowlers in each form of cricket:

Best Test Bowlers in 2025

Test cricket remains the toughest sport for any bowler to master. Currently, these three bowlers have been the greatest test bowlers in the past few years.

1. Pat Cummins – Australia

As Australia’s captain and pace spearhead, Cummins continues to produce match winning spells. With his pace, accuracy and fitness he is a fearsome opponent in any playing conditions. 

  • Test Wickets (as of July 2025): 300+
  • Bowling Average: Under 23

Pat Cummins Key Strength: Bounce and control

2. Jasprit Bumrah – India

Bumrah’s return to Test cricket following his injury has been phenomenal. His bowling action and the ability to generate fast reverse swing make him one of the best Test bowlers of the era.

  • Test Wickets: 200+
  • Strike Rate: Exceptional performance away

Jasprit Bumrah Key Strength: Yorker and reverse swing

3. Kagiso Rabada – South Africa

Rabada continues to be a dependable wicket taker for his country. His aggressiveness and talent for striking quickly mean that he is one of the most feared bowlers in Test cricket. 

  • Test Wickets: 300+.
  • Best Bowling Figures: 7/112

Kagiso Rabada Key Strength: Seam movement and aggression

Best ODI Bowlers in 2025

ODI cricket demands a perfect combination of economy and aggression. The following are the top 3 bowlers dominating 50-over cricket today.

1. Mohammed Siraj – India

Siraj is now a key Indian bowler in ODIs. His consistent early wickets and fast bowling have turned him into a recent ICC tournament star.

  • ODI Wickets: 70+
  • Economy: Impressive in powerplay overs

Mohammed Siraj Key Strength: Seam and aggression

2. Josh Hazlewood – Australia

Hazlewood continues to perform well in ODIs due to his accuracy and economy. He is particularly consistent in the middle overs and under pressure.

  • ODI Wickets: 130+
  • Economy: Approximately 4.7

Josh Hazlewood Key strength: Line and length

3. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan

Shaheen is Pakistan’s instant choice for their ODI bowler. His skill of swinging the new ball and delivering under pressure in The moment has made him a worldwide asset.

  • ODI Wickets: 120+
  • Best Bowling Figures: 6/35

Shaheen Shah Afridi Key Strength: New ball swing and late inswingers

Best T20 Bowlers in 2025

T20 cricket can be the hardest format for a bowler. But these three bowlers continue to make unique contributions to the T20 format. 

1. Rashid Khan – Afghanistan

Rashid Khan is still one of the best and most difficult bowlers to play against in T20 cricket. His variety of deliveries, particularly the googly, are difficult to play.

  • T20I Wickets: 160+
  • Economy: 6.08
  • Bowling avg: Under 14

Rashid Khan Key Strength: Rapid leg spin and consistency

2. Arshdeep Singh – India

Arshdeep has become India’s choice bowler in the death overs of a match. His left arm action and yorker ability are making him one of the best T20 bowlers around.

  • T20I Wickets: More than 90
  • Economy: Excellent at the death

Arshdeep Singh Key Strength: Yorkers and slow balls

3. Adam Zampa – Australia

Zampa has been playing extremely well in T20 cricket, particularly in ICC tournaments and other leagues. He continues to pick up wickets in the middle overs. 

  • T20I Wickets: 90+
  • Best Bowling Figures: 5/19

Adam Zampa Key Strength: Control and variation 

Who is the best bowler of 2025?

Choosing the best bowler of 2025 is not easy, as many bowlers have delivered outstanding performances across formats. Some have dominated in Test cricket with long, consistent spells, while others have stood out in ODIs and T20s with their variations and control under pressure. Different formats require different skills, and several bowlers have proven their ability to adapt and succeed. The title of the best bowler depends on what you value most—wickets, economy, impact, or consistency. Ultimately, its a tough call and often comes down to personal opinion.

Final Thoughts

Cricket fans are lucky to watch so many top class bowlers in action today. Each format has its own heroes, some known for speed, others for spin, and many for their ability to perform under pressure. While its tough to pick just one, players like Bumrah, Shaheen afridi, Rashid Khan, and Pat Cummins continue to lead the way. As the game moves forward, these bowlers are setting high standards for the next generation. In the end, its a debate that keeps the passion for the game alive.

Want to know who’s dominating with the bat this year? Check out our top picks for the best batsmen in world cricket 2025.