Champions Trophy 2025: Five Bowlers Set to Shine on the Big Stage

Champions Trophy 2025: Five Bowlers Set to Shine on the Big Stage

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, with the world’s top eight teams set to battle for supremacy. While batters often steal the spotlight, it’s the bowlers who win crucial matches and turn the tide in high-pressure games.

Here’s a look at five bowlers who are expected to play a vital role for their teams in this prestigious tournament.

Mohammed Shami (India) – The Comeback Leader

The experienced pacer M Shami will spearhead India’s pace attack in the absence of J Bumrah. After recovering from injury, Shami made his return to the Indian squad in the recent series against England. While he hasn’t yet hit peak form, captain R Sharma has full faith in his match-winning abilities.

Shami was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, bagging 24 wickets in just seven matches. With his ability to extract seam movement and bowl pinpoint yorkers, he will be crucial in India’s quest for the Champions Trophy title.

Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s Key Weapon at Home

On home soil, S Afridi will be the X-factor in Pakistan’s bowling attack. The left-arm pacer, known for his lethal in-swinging deliveries, can dismantle any batting lineup in the world.

Afridi had a stellar 2024, finishing as Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in ODIs, playing a key role in their historic series wins in Australia and South Africa. He also ended the recent Tri-Nation Series against NZ and SA as the joint-leading wicket-taker.

With PCT defending their Champions Trophy title, a lot will depend on how well Shaheen Afridi executes his spells, especially with the new ball.

Adam Zampa (Australia) – The Spin Maestro

Leg-spinner A Zampa has been Australia’s most consistent white-ball bowler in recent years. He played a vital role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory, finishing with 23 wickets, second only to Shami in the tournament.

Zampa, Australia’s second-highest wicket-taking spinner in ODIs after S Warne, has developed variations in pace and control that make him a deadly weapon in subcontinent conditions.

With Australia missing key pacers like M Starc and P Cummins, Zampa’s role will be even more critical as he leads the AUS spin attack in Pakistan.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – The Spin Wizard

The world’s No.1 ODI bowler, R Khan, is ready to showcase his magic as Afghanistan makes its Champions Trophy debut. The leg-spinner, known for his deadly googlies and sharp-turning deliveries, has already established himself as one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world.

At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rashid was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker, and he played a crucial role in their historic T20 World Cup semi-final finish in 2024.

With his vast experience of playing franchise cricket in Pakistan, Rashid will be Afghanistan’s go-to bowler, as they aim to upset top teams like AUS, ENG, and SA.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – The Express Pace Machine

With J Bumrah and P Cummins absent from the tournament, K Rabada is the most experienced fast bowler in the Champions Trophy 2025. The SA speedster has been South Africa’s leader in ICC tournaments and will once again be expected to deliver on the big stage.

Rabada’s raw pace, combined with accurate yorkers and sharp bouncers, makes him a nightmare for batters. South Africa will rely on him to provide early breakthroughs and contain runs in death overs.

If the Proteas are to end their 26-year ICC title drought, Rabada will need to be at his absolute best.

Final Thoughts

The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a bowler’s tournament, with conditions in Pakistan favoring both pace and spin. While these five bowlers stand out as key players, it will be exciting to see how the next generation of bowlers rise to the occasion and make an impact.

Which of these bowlers do you think will dominate the tournament? Let us know in the comments!