Key points
- Six players from India among star-studded ensemble
- Four from NZ and two from Afghanistan also included
- No players selected from other five teams
ISLAMABAD: The ICC has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Champions Trophy, following India’s triumphant victory over New Zealand in the final held in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
Throughout the tournament, a number of outstanding talents dazzled fans with their remarkable performances both with bat and ball.
The elite squad of 12 players features six standout stars from the champions, India, four from the formidable runners-up, New Zealand, and two shining talents from Afghanistan, creating a star-studded lineup. Notably, no players were selected from the other five teams that participated in the Champions Trophy.
Here’s the star-studded ensemble from the ICC.
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Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
251 runs, 62.75 average, two hundreds
Ravindra truly shone in two of New Zealand’s Champions Trophy matches, delivering powerhouse performances while also showcasing his skills as a spin bowler. His remarkable all-around prowess earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament accolade.
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Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
216 runs, 72 average, one hundred
The opener showcased his vital role in Afghanistan’s quest for glory, leading his team to a remarkable victory against England with a staggering 177 runs in the first innings—a record-breaking feat that now stands as the highest individual score in the tournament’s illustrious history.
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Virat Kohli (India)
218 runs, 54.5 average, one hundred
The maestro of India’s top order dazzled spectators with two scintillating performances, including a stellar 84 in the semi-final clash against Australia, a testament to his enduring prowess even at the age of 36. In the grand theater of the Champions Trophy, Kohli etched his name into history by surpassing the monumental milestone of 14,000 ODI runs, joining the illustrious company of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. With each stroke of his bat, he reminds us that his crown remains firmly atop his head as he continues to reign supreme in the realm of cricket.
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Shreyas Iyer (India)
243 runs, 48.6 average, two fifties
Unyielding as a boulder in India’s batting lineup, Shreyas has established himself as a cornerstone of reliability. In the last four tournament encounters, his lowest score was a commendable 45 runs, showcasing his steadfast performance amidst the challenging conditions of Dubai.
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KL Rahul (wk) (India)
140 runs, 140 average, 42 highest score
India’s wicketkeeper KL Rahul proved to be a steadfast guardian behind the stumps and a key player in the high-pressure moments with the bat. Out of four innings, he remained not out on three occasions, showcasing his finishing prowess. His contributions were especially vital during India’s thrilling chases in the knockout rounds, where he delivered with an impressive 42 against Australia and a solid 34 against New Zealand.
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Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
177 runs, 59 average, two wickets, five catches
The versatile star not only flashed his formidable batting skills, reminding everyone why he ranks among the globe’s deadliest hitters, but also showcased his remarkable fielding talent for the Kiwis.
He pulled off three breathtaking catches throughout the tournament, highlighted by a jaw-dropping grab against Virat Kohli in the final group clash with India.
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Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
126 runs, 42 average, seven wickets, one five-wicket haul
Omarzai is truly a multifaceted gem in the cricketing realm. His prowess in the middle-order batting was on full display, complemented by his impactful bowling.
With a remarkable 5/58 performance against England, he not only secured victory but also validated his title as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, showcasing his exceptional talent.
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Mitchell Santner (c) (New Zealand)
Nine wickets, 26.6 average, 4.80 economy
Santner’s leadership and bowling showcased a masterful blend of excellence throughout New Zealand’s remarkable journey, ultimately leading them to a commendable second place.
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Mohammed Shami (India)
Nine wickets, 25.8 average, 5.68 economy, one five-wicket haul
When the stakes are high, India can always rely on Shami. A pillar of reliability and consistency, he made a spectacular comeback to the squad, delivering a striking 5/53 against Bangladesh in the opening group match. His impact didn’t stop there; he also shone in the semifinals and finals, securing four wickets across those crucial clashes.
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Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Ten wickets, 16.7 average, 5.32 economy, one five-wicket haul
The CT suffered a significant blow with the absence of its top wicket-taker, who was sidelined from the final due to injury. Henry amazed spectators with his exceptional performance throughout the competition, claiming wickets in every game, including a remarkable 5/42 against India in the pivotal Group A showdown.
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Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
Nine wickets, 15.1 average, 4.53 economy
What an incredible tale! After having taken part in just one ODI prior to the Champions Trophy, the 33-year-old dazzled the selectors, delivering a stunning performance with nine wickets in three tense encounters.
12th player: Axar Patel (India)
Five wickets, 39.2 average, 4.35 economy
What an invaluable asset he is to the team! Axar made his mark with the ball, claiming five wickets, and showcased his batting prowess by amassing a total of 109 runs, including a crucial 29 in the finale. And let’s not forget his agility in the field, where he dazzled with two spectacular catches!
