The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the world’s best cricketing talent in a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
While bowlers often steal the spotlight with match-winning spells, it’s the batsmen who ultimately dictate the tempo and outcome of a game.
In this year’s edition, several dynamic and skilled batters are expected to leave their mark on the tournament, captivating audiences with their explosive hitting, tactical brilliance, and unwavering consistency.
With conditions in Pakistan expected to be conducive to batting, the Champions Trophy 2025 could well be a run-fest.
While the tournament is expected to be batter-dominated, here are five batsmen to watch who could be instrumental in their team’s success.
1. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
Fakhar Zaman is known for his ability to quickly change the complexion of a game. He holds the highest score for Pakistan in ODIs, with a fiery 210* against Zimbabwe in 2018.
Zaman also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy win, smashing a quickfire 114 against India in the final.
After being sidelined due to injury and illness, Zaman recently made his comeback in the Tri-Nation series.
2. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Daryl Mitchell has thrived in Asian conditions since his debut. He had a standout performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, scoring 552 runs at an average of 69.
Mitchell also has a healthy average in Pakistan, with 517 runs at 51.70. In the recent Tri-Nation series against Pakistan, Mitchell scored two confident half-centuries.
3. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Heinrich Klaasen is known for his aggressive approach, aiming to put his foot on the accelerator from the start. Klaasen possesses a high average combined with a strong strike rate.
His ability to powerfully hit the ball out of the park, along with a stylish pull shot against spinners, makes him difficult for opponents to control while he is at the crease.
4. Shreyas Iyer (India)
Shreyas Iyer’s growing importance in the Indian setup is highlighted by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who labeled him as “always important” for India.
Iyer has been keeping up the momentum in the middle overs, scoring 181 runs at a strike rate of 123.12 in a recent series.
His presence in the middle order takes pressure off the top order, making him a key player for India’s batting lineup.
5. Shubman Gill (India)
Shubman Gill has seven centuries and 15 half-centuries with an average of 60 and a strike rate of 101+ in the 50 ODIs he has played.
Gill may be the player to take over the baton from Virat Kohli. With guidance from Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the tournament could transform Gill from a superstar to a megastar.
