Top 3 X-factor players to watch out for in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

A random match in a bilateral series, placed amid a busy cricket schedule, has a significant chance of being overlooked by the audience. But an ICC tournament is a sure recipe for capturing mass interest. The ICC Champions Trophy, returning to the scene after an extended wait of eight years, shifts the focus back to the ODI format, almost two years after the 2023 ODI World Cup. With just 15 matches on the schedule and eight teams vying for the title, the marquee event promises top-notch thrills at the start of the year.

Players to Watch Out for in the ICC Champions Trophy

While a pivotal tournament, the ICC Champions Trophy will see some star performers missing out for various reasons, with injuries being the primary disruptor. However, the absence of key players has heightened the responsibility of the remaining squad members to step up. With only a few days left before the action kicks off in Pakistan, the home of the defending champions, let's take a look at the players poised to make the biggest impact for their respective teams.

Shubman Gill - India

To put it subtly, India has had a turbulent road leading up to the tournament. Scheduled just after a busy Test season, which ended in disappointment, India saw long-standing home records broken and lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The batting department faced the most scrutiny, and Shubman Gill was at the center of criticism due to his poor numbers outside India. The backlash only intensified when the Indian management named the youngster as vice-captain for the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy.

However, the 25-year-old didn't take long to remind critics of his prowess in the 50-over format. The three-match ODI series against England showcased Gill's mastery, as he notched half-centuries in the first two fixtures while batting at No.3 and as an opener. The vice-captain sealed the series in style with a century at his favorite venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium. Breaking multiple records that day, Shubman Gill established himself as India's brightest asset heading into the ICC Champions Trophy. Though India's bowling attack remains a concern, Gill, along with the in-form Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, ensures a stable batting lineup for the tournament.

Travis Head - Australia

Australia’s recent performances haven't inspired confidence as the reigning ODI World Cup champions prepare for the Champions Trophy. The team, weakened by the absence of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis, suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka. Their squad situation remains unchanged for the ICC event, with Hazlewood, Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh still recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, Stoinis shocked many by announcing his retirement from the format earlier this month, and Starc opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Given the circumstances, the onus will fall on the experienced trio of Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell to lead the charge with the bat.

Travis Head, in particular, stands out as Australia’s key performer for the event. The left-hander led Australia’s charge in the ODI World Cup final against India with a match-winning century. Since then, he has added another ton to his name against England. If Head manages to carry his ODI form into Pakistan, Australia could still mount a serious challenge for the trophy despite multiple key absences. The Kangaroos are placed in Group B for the Champions Trophy, where they will face England, Afghanistan, and South Africa in the group stage.

Mohammad Rizwan - Pakistan

Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy, suffered an early setback when Saim Ayub was ruled out due to a fractured ankle. Ayub had been one of their top performers in the format before his unfortunate injury during the South Africa tour. In his absence, newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan has stepped up with gritty performances, particularly in the recently concluded ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Pakistan, playing as the hosts in that series, impressed in their penultimate clash against South Africa by successfully chasing down 352. The mammoth chase saw Rizwan partnering with Salman Agha, with both players scoring centuries to seal the win. The skipper remained unbeaten in that match. While Pakistan eventually lost the series final to New Zealand, Rizwan's form makes him a key figure heading into the Champions Trophy. In Group A, Pakistan faces a tough draw alongside New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, but Rizwan’s presence provides them with a strong anchor in the batting lineup.