ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Team of the Tournament Unveiled

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Team of the Tournament Unveiled

March 10, 2025 – The ICC has officially announced the Team of the Tournament for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with five players from title-winning India making the prestigious list. New Zealand, the tournament’s runner-up, also sees strong representation with four players, including Mitchell Santner, who has been named captain.

Additionally, Afghanistan has made history with two players making the cut, highlighting their impressive debut campaign. The squad selection is based on exceptional performances throughout the tournament, with Rachin Ravindra earning the Player of the Tournament accolade after a phenomenal run with the bat.

Final ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament

1. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – Player of the Tournament
2. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
3. Virat Kohli (India)
4. Shreyas Iyer (India)
5. KL Rahul (wk) (India)
6. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
8. Mitchell Santner (capt) (New Zealand)
9. Mohammed Shami (India)
10. Matt Henry (New Zealand)
11. Varun Chakravarthy (India)
12. Axar Patel (India) (12th man)

Dominant Openers: Ravindra and Zadran Lead the Lineup

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra had a tournament to remember, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 263 runs, including two centuries. His innings of 112 against Bangladesh and 108 in the semi-final against South Africa demonstrated his ability to perform on the big stage.

Joining him at the top is Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran, whose match-winning 177 against England in the group stage was the highest-ever individual score in Champions Trophy history. His inclusion reflects Afghanistan’s growing influence in world cricket.

Star-Studded Middle Order: Kohli, Iyer, and Rahul Shine for India

At No. 3, Virat Kohli makes the team after finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer with 218 runs at an average of 54.50. His unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stage and a crucial 84-run knock in the semi-final against Australia underlined his ability to thrive under pressure.

His teammate Shreyas Iyer follows at No. 4, having been India’s top run-scorer with 243 runs, which included two half-centuries. His consistency played a key role in India’s success.

Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul takes the No. 5 spot after delivering with the bat when it mattered most. His unbeaten knocks of 42 in the semi-final and 34 in the final helped India lift the trophy. His remarkable tournament average of 140 solidified his position in the XI.

Glenn Phillips and Azmatullah Omarzai Add All-Round Value

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips proved to be a game-changer in multiple departments. While his stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Shubman Gill in the final grabbed headlines, he also chipped in with a half-century against Pakistan and picked up two key wickets in the semi-final against South Africa.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai slots in at No. 7 after an impressive all-round performance. He finished with seven wickets at an average of 20 and made valuable contributions with the bat, averaging 42.00 in the tournament. His presence in the squad marks another milestone for Afghanistan on the global stage.

Mitchell Santner Leads as Captain with Game-Changing Wickets

Named captain of the Team of the Tournament, Mitchell Santner led New Zealand with nine wickets, including match-defining breakthroughs. His ability to strike at crucial moments was on display in the final when he dismissed Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.

Powerful Bowling Attack: Shami, Henry, and Chakravarthy Dominate

India’s Mohammed Shami enjoyed a successful return from injury, finishing with nine wickets and reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier pacers.

New Zealand’s Matt Henry, despite missing the final due to a shoulder injury, ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at 16.70. His ability to swing the ball effectively troubled opposition batters throughout the tournament.

India’s Varun Chakravarthy, with nine wickets in just three matches, provided crucial breakthroughs and maintained a consistent economy rate. His impact was pivotal in India’s victorious campaign.

Axar Patel Named 12th Man

Rounding off the squad, India’s Axar Patel has been included as the 12th man after his all-round contributions throughout the tournament.

Selection Panel and Expert Opinions

The selection panel included cricket experts Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, and Aaron Finch, alongside Hindustan Times journalist Rasesh Mandani and ICC General Manager Events and Corporate Communications, Gaurav Saxena.

Speaking on the final squad, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull remarked, “This team perfectly encapsulates the best performers of the tournament. India’s dominance, New Zealand’s fighting spirit, and Afghanistan’s historic campaign make this XI a special one.”

Conclusion: A Tournament to Remember

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 delivered unforgettable moments, with India reclaiming the title, New Zealand proving their consistency, and Afghanistan making history with their first tournament win. The Team of the Tournament celebrates the players who stood out with their match-winning performances and exceptional displays under pressure.

As the cricketing world now looks ahead to upcoming international fixtures, these players will continue to make headlines, ensuring that the excitement from the Champions Trophy 2025 carries forward into the next chapter of global cricket.