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As the highly anticipated 2025 Champions Trophy gets underway in Pakistan and Dubai, cricket fans around the world are gearing up for an exciting 50-over tournament. While the spotlight often shines on established superstars, there are a number of emerging players who are ready to make a name for themselves on the international stage. Here are five less-heralded players to watch out for during the competition.
Varun Chakravarthy (India) – A Rising Spin Star
One of India’s late entries to the Champions Trophy squad, wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy, could prove to be a game-changer on the slow pitches of Dubai. At 33 years old, Chakravarthy only made his ODI debut earlier this month in a series against England. However, he has been a standout performer in domestic T20 cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win with 21 wickets.
Chakravarthy’s exceptional control and variations make him a valuable asset in India’s formidable spin attack. According to coach Gautam Gambhir, he could be the “X-factor” the team needs, and with his ability to exploit slow, turning conditions, he could prove difficult for opposition batsmen to handle.
Tayyab Tahir (Pakistan) – Middle-Order Batting Sensation
Middle-order batsman Tayyab Tahir caught the eye of cricket fans and pundits alike during the 2023 Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Tahir’s sparkling century in the final against arch-rivals India was a standout moment in his career, and since then, the 31-year-old has been regarded as one of Pakistan’s rising stars.
Tahir has shown promise in domestic cricket and his brief foray into T20 internationals has been relatively successful. While his ODI numbers are modest, with his highest score being 39 not out in a T20, he has earned praise from fast bowling legend Wasim Akram, who hailed him as a “very exciting talent.” With his potential to shine in the middle order, Tahir could play a crucial role in Pakistan’s bid for Champions Trophy glory.
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Tom Banton (England) – A Big-Hitting Batsman on the Rise
Somerset’s Tom Banton may not have a wealth of experience in 50-over cricket, but the 26-year-old has certainly made an impact in T20 formats. Banton made his ODI return earlier this month during England’s series in India, where he made a valuable 38-run contribution in a losing cause. Known for his aggressive and dynamic batting style, Banton has been in excellent form in franchise T20 leagues, leading the UAE’s premier competition with 493 runs, including two centuries.
Although this is Banton’s first appearance in a major ICC tournament since his ODI debut in 2020, he has the ability to change games with his powerful stroke play. His recent form and explosive batting could make him one of England’s most dangerous players in the tournament.
Aaron Hardie (Australia) – The All-Rounder with an Eye for Impact
Aaron Hardie, a seam-bowling all-rounder for Australia, is one of the players who is likely to make the most of an unexpected opportunity at the Champions Trophy. The 26-year-old right-arm pacer and hard-hitting batsman is filling the void left by the sudden retirement of Marcus Stoinis. Hardie impressed with the ball during Australia’s recent match against Sri Lanka, picking up figures of 2-13, and then adding 32 runs with the bat.
Though still in the early stages of his international career, Hardie has already made an impression with his performance in domestic cricket, including a standout spell against India in 2018 where he dismissed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a tour match. With his all-round capabilities, Hardie could provide Australia with the balance they need, both with the ball and bat, to make a deep run in the tournament.
Will O’Rourke (New Zealand) – The Tall, Tearaway Fast Bowler
At 23 years old, Will O’Rourke is one of the exciting young fast bowlers emerging from New Zealand. Standing an imposing 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall, O’Rourke has already impressed in his nine ODI matches, and he is set to make his debut at an ICC tournament in the Champions Trophy. His pace and bounce have been a handful for opposition batsmen, and O’Rourke has been a standout in New Zealand’s recent victories, including his match-winning performance with figures of 4-43 in the tri-series final against Pakistan.
With senior fast bowler Lockie Ferguson recovering from injury and Ben Sears ruled out, O’Rourke’s performances could be pivotal for New Zealand. His raw pace and ability to extract bounce make him a potential match-winner for the Black Caps in the tournament.
