The Champions Trophy has always been a stage where cricket’s brightest talents showcase their skills on a global level. While the tournament has seen legendary cricketers dominate, it has also provided a perfect platform for young players to rise to the occasion. Over the years, several youngsters have stolen the limelight with their exceptional performances, proving their mettle against the best in the world.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the young players who shined in Champions Trophy, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament and their careers.
1. Virat Kohli (2009) – The Start of a Legacy
Before he became one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Virat Kohli announced his arrival in the 2009 Champions Trophy with a composed and mature batting display. At just 20 years old, Kohli showed glimpses of his ability to handle pressure. His crucial knock of 79* against the West Indies helped India secure a comfortable victory. Though India didn’t progress far in the tournament, Kohli’s performance made the cricketing world take notice of his immense potential.
2. Josh Hazlewood (2017) – The Wicket-Taking Machine
The 2017 Champions Trophy saw the emergence of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood as a lethal bowler in white-ball cricket. At 26, he was still considered a young and upcoming talent in ODIs. Hazlewood made headlines when he picked up a sensational six-wicket haul (6/52) against New Zealand, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and trouble world-class batters. His performances cemented his place as a key bowler for Australia in future ICC tournaments.
3. Shikhar Dhawan (2013) – The Tournament’s Star
Although Shikhar Dhawan was not entirely new to international cricket, he truly announced himself on the big stage during the 2013 Champions Trophy. The Indian opener smashed back-to-back centuries and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 363 runs in just 5 matches. His aggressive yet composed batting was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign. Dhawan’s performances not only earned him the Golden Bat Award but also established him as India’s go-to opener in ICC tournaments.
Also Read:- India vs Bangladesh Dream11 Prediction CWC
4. Babar Azam (2017) – Pakistan’s Future Superstar
Pakistan’s young sensation Babar Azam made a strong statement in the 2017 Champions Trophy, playing crucial innings in the middle order. At just 22 years of age, Babar displayed incredible consistency and temperament, helping Pakistan reach the final. Though he didn’t score a century, his 46-run knock in the final against India was invaluable in setting up Pakistan’s massive victory. This tournament proved that Babar was not just another talented batsman but a future leader in Pakistan cricket.
5. Jasprit Bumrah (2017) – The Death Bowling Specialist
India’s Jasprit Bumrah had already shown glimpses of his ability in limited-overs cricket, but the 2017 Champions Trophy was where he truly proved his worth. At 23, Bumrah became India’s most reliable bowler in death overs, consistently delivering pinpoint yorkers. Though an unfortunate no-ball against Pakistan in the final cost India a crucial wicket, his overall performances in the tournament established him as one of the best fast bowlers in white-ball cricket.
6. Kusal Mendis (2017) – Sri Lanka’s Emerging Star
The 2017 Champions Trophy also saw the emergence of Kusal Mendis, who played a match-winning innings against India. Chasing a daunting total of 322, Mendis scored a brilliant 89 off 93 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a historic win. His fearless batting against a world-class Indian bowling attack showcased his talent and earned him recognition as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket.
7. Fakhar Zaman (2017) – The Surprise Hero of the Final
One of the biggest surprises of the 2017 Champions Trophy was Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman. The left-handed opener, playing in just his fourth ODI, smashed a match-winning 114 off 106 balls against India in the final. His fearless approach and ability to take on the Indian bowling attack stunned everyone and helped Pakistan lift their maiden Champions Trophy title. His century remains one of the most iconic knocks in the history of the tournament.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (2013) – The Spin Wizard
During the 2013 Champions Trophy, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as one of India’s most valuable all-rounders. At just 24 years old, he played a pivotal role in India’s title-winning run, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets. His all-round skills were on display in the final against England, where he scored a crucial 33* and took 2 wickets, helping India clinch the trophy. His performances earned him the Golden Ball Award and solidified his place in India’s limited-overs setup.
9. Kane Williamson (2013) – The Backbone of New Zealand’s Batting
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson had already been recognized as a player with immense potential, but his performance in the 2013 Champions Trophy further proved his credentials. The young right-hander scored consistently throughout the tournament and finished with 176 runs in three matches. His elegant stroke play and composure under pressure showcased why he was destined to be New Zealand’s future captain.
10. Mustafizur Rahman (2017) – Bangladesh’s Rising Pacer
Bangladesh’s entry into the 2017 Champions Trophy marked a historic moment, and one of their standout young performers was Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm pacer had already made waves in world cricket with his off-cutters and deceptive variations. Though he didn’t take a lot of wickets, his ability to control runs and apply pressure in crucial moments helped Bangladesh reach the semi-finals for the first time in an ICC event.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy has always been a tournament where young cricketers have risen to the occasion and made a name for themselves on the global stage. Players like Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman used this platform to announce their arrival, and today, they are among the biggest names in cricket.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next edition of the Champions Trophy, fans can hope to witness another batch of young talents stepping up and making history. Who will be the next young superstar to shine in the tournament? Only time will tell!
Also Read:- India vs England Dream11 Prediction CWC