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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Champions Trophy, and notably, no Pakistani cricketer made the prestigious lineup. The announcement came after India emerged as the winners of the eight-team tournament, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final. The final squad reflects the stellar performances of players from India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, with a standout show from Rachin Ravindra, who was named Player of the Tournament.
A Strong Indian Contingent in the Team
Five Indian players have been selected for the Team of the Tournament, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Mohammad Shami, and Varun Chakravarthy making the cut. Kohli, who finished fifth in the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 218 runs, played an integral role in India’s success. His unbeaten century against Pakistan and an important knock of 84 in the semi-final against Australia were pivotal to India’s progress.
Shreyas Iyer was India’s top scorer in the tournament, amassing 243 runs with two half-centuries, while KL Rahul played crucial knocks in the semi-final and final, including an unbeaten 34 in the championship decider. Mohammad Shami capped a successful return from injury with nine wickets, showcasing his skill throughout the tournament.
Varun Chakravarthy also made his mark, taking nine wickets in just three matches, including some excellent performances in high-pressure games. Axar Patel, another key Indian player, was named the 12th man.
New Zealand’s Dominance in the Team
New Zealand, despite their loss in the final, also has a significant presence in the Team of the Tournament. Four Black Caps players have made the cut, with Rachin Ravindra leading the charge. Ravindra, who was named Player of the Tournament, topped the run-scoring charts with 263 runs, including two centuries. His contributions were vital in New Zealand’s run to the final, with standout performances against Bangladesh and South Africa.
India Wins Third ICC Champions Trophy Title with Thrilling Victory Over New Zealand
Joining him from New Zealand are Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry. Phillips made an impact both with the bat and in the field, taking spectacular catches and scoring crucial runs, including an unbeaten 49 in the final. Santner, who captains the team, was influential with the ball, finishing with nine wickets, including crucial dismissals in the final. Matt Henry, despite missing the final due to injury, finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 16.70.
Afghanistan’s Historic Impact
Afghanistan made a significant mark in the tournament, with two players included in the Team of the Tournament. Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a record-breaking 177 runs against England in the group stage, made a lasting impression on the tournament with the highest-ever score in Champions Trophy history. He opens the batting alongside Ravindra.
Azmatullah Omarzai, the fast-bowling all-rounder, also made the team after a stellar performance with both bat and ball. Omarzai finished the tournament with seven wickets at an average of 20 and 126 runs at an average of 42.00, showcasing his all-round prowess.
The Team of the Tournament
The final ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament includes:
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Shreyas Iyer (India)
- KL Rahul (wk) (India)
- Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
- Mitchell Santner (capt) (New Zealand)
- Mohammad Shami (India)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Varun Chakravarthy (India)
12th man: Axar Patel (India)
Selection Panel and Final Thoughts
The selection of this team was made by a panel comprising of commentators and former international players Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Aaron Finch, Hindustan Times journalist Rasesh Mandani, and ICC General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, Gaurav Saxena. While the inclusion of no Pakistani players may surprise some, the final team reflects the standout performances from players across India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
Despite Pakistan’s strong showing, including key contributions in various matches, the Team of the Tournament showcases those players who made significant impacts throughout the tournament, driving their respective teams towards success. With India emerging as the champions and New Zealand pushing them to the limit, this year’s Champions Trophy was one of the most exciting yet.
