Here are five future stars set to make a name for themselves in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Shubman Gill (India)
Matches: 50, Runs: 2587, Average: 60.16, 100s: 7, 50s: 15, HS: 208
The Punjab top-order batter has been considered as a star in the making for India. Gill has gone from strength to strength in his young international career. With over 2,500 One Day International runs at an impressive average of 60.16, and a highest score of 208 to go with it, it seems the only way for the India vice-captain is up. He had a fantastic 2023 Cricket World Cup, scoring 354 runs at an average of 44.25 at a strike rate of 106.94, with a highest score of 92. And more recently, Gill crossed fifty in all three outings in the ODI series against England ahead of the Champions Trophy. A match-winning knock of 87 (96) in the first ODI set the tone and he followed it up with a quickfire 60 (52) in the second. He then finally hit his seventh century in the limited overs format, scoring 112 (102) on his 50th ODI. Gill secured the Player of the Series award as he scored 259 runs at an average of 86.33. His presence will bolster the India top-order at the Champions Trophy.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Matches: 29, Runs: 970, Average: 40.41, 100s: 3, 50s: 4, HS: 123
Ravindra has risen to prominence in the international game since his debut. He's a dynamic batter at the top of the order for New Zealand and also contributes with some handy left-arm orthodox spin. His performances at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India saw him shine on the biggest stage, where he was the highest run-getter for New Zealand. Ravindra scored 578 runs across 10 innings, at an impressive average of 64.22, where he drew level with New Zealand great Kane Williamson as his country’s top scorer at a Men’s ODI World Cup. His strong form against spin will be the key for the Black Caps as they look to bounce back from their poor showing at the Twenty20 World Cup in 2024. With the ball, Rachin has 18 wickets in 29 ODIs, with his part-time spin. With a decent showing against Sri Lanka at home in January, which included a knock of 79 (63) in Hamilton as New Zealand secured the ODI series going 2-0 up, Ravindra has an opportunity to again lead with his actions for the Black Caps at the Champions Trophy.
Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
Matches: 10, Wickets: 9, Average: 57.22, Eco: 6.05, BBI: 3/49
At only 20 years old, Noor has had a meteoric rise. His rare skillset as a left-arm wrist spinner has proven to be an incredible asset for Afghanistan. Noor has already gained valuable International Cricket Council tournament experience, at the 2023 Cricket World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, making his mark almost instantly. Against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup event, he picked up career-best figure in a historic win, taking 3/49 off his 10 overs, which included the wickets of well-established batters Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam. Recently, Noor had a fine outing at the SA20 too, turning out for the Durban Super Giants as he took 13 wickets off nine innings with a best of 4/25 at an economy rate of 6.25. Following in the footsteps of his wrist-spinning compatriots, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor is one to watch for Afghanistan at the upcoming ICC event.
Naseem Shah (Pakistan)
Matches: 23, Wickets: 45, Average: 22.71, Eco: 5.28, BBI: 5/33
Arriving from Pakistan’s conveyor belt of pace bowling talent, Naseem has made his mark in a hurry. Equipped with a blistering pace and a whippy action, it took Shah no time to create a reputation for himself on the world stage. He took his first five-for in Test cricket against Sri Lanka in only his second game in the format. Soon after, he became the youngest player to take a Test hat-trick. And with 45 wickets in 23 ODIs at an average of 22.71, and moving past his previous injury concerns, Naseem is set to be an important weapon for Pakistan. Operating in familiar conditions, Naseem will be a key partner to Shaheen Shah Afridi as the frontline pacers looking to help Pakistan defend their crown.
Harry Brook (England)
Matches: 23, Runs: 769, Average: 36.61, 100: 1, 50s: 5, HS: 110*
Brook rose to prominence in 2022, as he made his ODI debut against South Africa and in only his second match, went on to score a solid 80 (75) against the Proteas. Converting this start over to the Tests, he had a phenomenal run in 2022, joining Ben Stokes’ side in Pakistan as he scored 153 (172) and 87 (96) in the first and second innings of the first Test in Rawalpindi followed by back-to-back centuries of 108 (172) and 111 (210) in Multan and Lahore. He followed on this fine form with a tremendous 186 (270) in the second Test of the New Zealand Tour in 2023, going on to score 809 runs in nine innings in the royal whites. He was a part of the England squad for the Cricket World Cup 2023 and scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 112.66, with a highest score of 66 in England’s loss to Afghanistan. Brook was also in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad for England, scoring 145 runs at an average of 72.5 at a massive strike rate of 157.6, with a best score of 53 (37) in the campaign that saw the Three Lions end up semi-finalists. The Champions Trophy could be the stage where the Englishman further cements his multi-format arrival in international cricket.