ICC shockingly snubs Virat Kohli as they unveil Player of the Month nominees for December 2025
The ICC Player of the Month for December 2025 winner soon will be revealed by the governing body after calculating the votes.
Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Jacob Duffy and West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves have been named as nominees by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Player of the Month for December 2025
Justin Greaves earned his nomination after a stellar Test series in New Zealand, scoring 283 runs at an average of 56.60. His unbeaten 202 in Christchurch saved the first Test, while his five wickets further underlined his all-round impact.
Kiwi sensation Jacob Duffy dominated the home Test series against the West Indies, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 15.43. His performances were central to New Zealand’s 2–0 series win and earned him Player of the Series honours.
Mitchell Starc, arguably the most deserving of the lot, starred with a match-winning Ashes 2025-26 campaign, where he took 16 wickets in December, overall 32 in series, and contributed valuable lower-order runs. He won Player of the Match display in the second Test and played an decisive all-round role in sealing the series.
No Virat Kohli in the nominations of Player of the Month despite his stellar performances vs South Africa
Indian legend Virat Kohli has been surprisingly overlooked from the nominations, despite a remarkable outing against South Africa during the three-match ODI series. The right-handed batter top scored with 302 runs in the series, including consecutive centuries in the first two matches, on November 30 and December 3.
In the series decider, Kohli smashed unbeaten 65 off just 45 balls to guide his team to a 2–1 victory over the Proteas. With a staggering average of 151, his performances would have posed a strong case for nomination. However, having featured in only two matches during December, one fewer than Jacob Duffy and Justin Greaves (both were part of three tests), this may have worked against his selection.
Kohli will now look to mount another push for the award in January, when India face New Zealand in a three match ODI series, offering him a fresh opportunity to make his mark.
ICC Men’s Player of the Month nominees for December
- Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
- Justin Greaves (West Indies)
Who are the ICC Men’s Player of the Month nominees for December 2025?
The nominees are Mitchell Starc, Jacob Duffy, and Justin Greaves.
Why was Virat Kohli left out despite strong performances?
Virat Kohli played only two matches in December, fewer than other nominees like Jacob Duffy and Justin Greaves, which may have affected his chances.
How is the ICC Player of the Month winner decided?
Winners are chosen through votes from the ICC Voting Academy (90 percent) and fans worldwide (10 percent).
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.