Detailed analysis of the top teams favored to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including a complete squad breakdown, strengths, and weaknesses.
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, cricket enthusiasts are keenly analysing the strongest contenders poised to claim the prestigious title. This article delves into the strengths, weaknesses, and complete squads of four leading teams: Australia, England, India, and New Zealand.
Australia's Strengths
Australia's top-order batters, including Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Inglis, have showcased impressive form recently. Smith scored a century in the Big Bash League (BBL), playing for Sydney Sixers. Maxwell also played some swashbuckling innings while Inglis thrived in the Test series vs Sri Lanka.
Australia's rich history in international tournaments provides them with invaluable experience and a winning mentality. They still have at least eight players in their squad who were part of Australia's sixth ODI World Cup triumphs.
Weaknesses
The team face significant setbacks with the injury-induced absence of Mitchell Marsh and the recent retirement of Marcus Stoinis. They will miss the experience this pace-bowling all-rounder used to offer in crunch situations.
Injuries have sidelined key bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins and seasoned pacer Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Starc will be the leader of the pack but will need support from other pacers whose names are yet to be revealed. Adam Zampa will look after the spin department with part-time spinners Maxwell and Head. The overall depth in the bowling department looks like a huge concern because the Aussies have not won a single Champions Trophy match since their 2009 edition triumph.
Australia Complete Squad: Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, [Four players to be added].
England's Strengths
England's top order, featuring Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and captain Jos Buttler, have been prolific. The return of Joe Root adds stability and experience while Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell provide firepower down the order. Their presence also enhances the team's bowling depth, making the line-up formidable.
The pace trio of Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Saqib Mahmood, complemented by the spin of Adil Rashid, forms a well-rounded and threatening bowling unit. Brydon Carse has also been impressive in whatever matches he has played on the India tour.
Weaknesses
Harry Brook's recent struggles against spin bowling have raised concerns about his place in the squad. Not just him, but the entire middle order have struggled against spin in T20Is and the first ODI against India.
England Complete Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
India's Strengths
Despite recent form concerns, veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are pivotal. Their vast experience and proven track records make them indispensable. Both the batters have tremendous records in the Champions Trophy, having scored 481 runs (53.44 average) and 529 runs (88.16 average), respectively.
The presence of all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar provides balance, contributing significantly in both batting and bowling departments.
Weaknesses
Apart from Shreyas Iyer and occasional contributions from KL Rahul, the top order has struggled for consistency. Shubman Gill's recent fifty against England is a positive sign, but the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remains a concern.
Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is uncertain, and while Mohammed Shami has returned to international cricket, his pace has been below his peak. The performance of returning spinner Kuldeep Yadav post-injury will also be under scrutiny. Three-strike bowlers coming out of injuries raise plenty of questions about India’s bowling department.
India Complete Squad for CT 2025
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand's Strengths
New Zealand boast a well-rounded squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Their all-round capabilities make them formidable in both batting and bowling. After an early exit from the T20 World Cup, the team is determined to make a strong statement in this tournament.
The Kiwis would want former skipper Kane Williamson and wicket-keeper batter Devon Conway to fire on all cylinders in the tournament. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will be eager to replicate their ODI World Cup 2023 performances and help New Zealand win another ICC tournament.
Weaknesses
The squad appears balanced with no significant weaknesses, positioning them as strong contenders. They would struggle only if one of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson got injured during the marquee event.
New Zealand Complete Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
As the tournament approaches, these teams will aim to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses to vie for the coveted Champions Trophy. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the thrilling contests that lie ahead. Read More: IND vs ENG, ODIs, 2024-25: Key match ups to watch out for
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