After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return in 2025, bringing together eight top cricketing nations in a highly anticipated ODI showdown. (More Cricket News)
As the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, February 19, in Karachi with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opener, the stage is set for some of the brightest young talents in world cricket to showcase their skills.
Ahead of the competition, the ICC 💖has identified five rising stars who could be game-changers for their respective teams. These young players have already made an impact on the international stage and will be eager to further establish themselves in this high-stakes tournament.
1. Shubman Gill (India)
Shubman Gill𝔍 has firmly established himself as one of India’s most promising batting talents. The Punjab-born top-order batter has been in stellar form, amassing over 2500 runs in ODIs at an impressive average of 60.16. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining an aggressive strike rate makes him a key asset for India’s top order.
🤪Gill was instrumental in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, scoring 354 runs at a healthy strike rate of 106.94. He recently continued his fine form in the ODI series against England, where he notched a century in his 50th ODI and won the Player of the Series award. With his consistent performances, Gill is expected to be a major force for India in the Champions Trophy.
2. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra 🎃has emerged as a dynamic all-rounder capable of making significant contributions with both bat and ball. His breakout moment came during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the highest run-scorer for New Zealand, tallying 578 runs at an average of 64.22. His strong technique and composure under pressure make him a valuable asset at the top of the order.
🥀Apart from his batting prowess, Ravindra’s left-arm orthodox spin provides an additional dimension to the Kiwi attack. With 18 wickets in 29 ODIs, he has proven to be a handy option in the middle overs. Given his adaptability in different conditions, he will be a key figure for New Zealand in their pursuit of Champions Trophy glory.
3. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
At just 20 years old, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad ꧂is one of the most exciting young spin prospects in world cricket. A left-arm wrist spinner, Noor has already made a mark on the international stage with his ability to deceive batters with his variations.
🅰His standout performance came against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup, where he picked up career-best figures of 3/49, dismissing top-order batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Noor further impressed in franchise cricket, finishing with 13 wickets in the SA20 league while maintaining an economy rate of 6.25. With Afghanistan’s strong spin tradition, Noor is poised to play a crucial role in their Champions Trophy campaign.
4. Naseem Shah (Pakistan)
🅺Pakistan’s pace factory has produced another gem in Naseem Shah. The young fast bowler burst onto the scene with his express pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch. In just 23 ODIs, Naseem has already claimed 45 wickets at an impressive average of 22.71, making him a key weapon in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
🦩Despite battling injuries early in his career, Naseem has consistently delivered match-winning performances. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver sharp bouncers makes him a nightmare for opposition batters. Playing in home conditions, Naseem will be a crucial partner to Shaheen Afridi as Pakistan aim to defend their Champions Trophy title.
5. Harry Brook (England)
꧃Harry Brook has been one of England’s most promising young batters across formats. After a strong start in ODIs, he gained further recognition for his performances in Test cricket, particularly during England’s tour of Pakistan in 2022, where he scored multiple centuries.
✱Brook played a crucial role in England’s 2023 World Cup campaign and followed it up with a strong showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he averaged 72.50 at a strike rate of 157.60. His ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs and his adaptability in different conditions make him a key player for England’s Champions Trophy campaign.
