Champions Trophy 2025 Captains Analysis
In 2025, the Champions Trophy will showcase top cricket. Eight of the best teams will compete for the win. A key factor in a team’s success is its captain. The captain is important for strategy, decision-making, and leading during tough times.
Here’s a look at the captains in the Champions Trophy 2025. We’ll assess their experience, strategy, and leadership skills.
1. India – Rohit Sharma
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Rohit Sharma’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 8/10 (51 matches, 70% win rate)
- Strategic Acumen: 6/10
- Overall Evaluation: 7/10
Sharma is a top skipper in the tournament. He led India to the ODI World Cup final. His strict approach and inability to adapt under pressure have raised questions.
2. Pakistan – Mohammad Rizwan
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Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 3/10 (12 matches as captain)
- Strategic Acumen: 7/10
- Overall Evaluation: 5/10
Rizwan, new to the role, has led Pakistan to historic series wins, showing great promise. However, handling the pressure of a global tournament remains a challenge.
3. Australia – Steve Smith
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Steve Smith’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 7/10
- Strategic Acumen: 7.5/10
- Overall Evaluation: 7/10
Smith returns as Australia’s ODI captain, known for his tactical brilliance. He excels in Test cricket leadership. However, the Champions Trophy 2025 will test his abilities in shorter formats.
4. South Africa – Temba Bavuma
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Temba Bavuma’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 6/10 (39 matches as captain)
- Strategic Acumen: 6/10
- Overall Evaluation: 6/10
Bavuma has had a hard time making a strong mark as captain. He is often viewed as reactive instead of proactive. His familiarity with the squad, however, remains a positive.
5. England – Jos Buttler
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Jos Buttler’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 5/10 (Three seasons as captain)
- Strategic Acumen: 5/10
- Overall Evaluation: 5/10
Buttler’s tenure has been marked by inconsistent performances. Buttler finds it hard to adjust when England’s exciting cricket goes off track.
6. New Zealand – Mitchell Santner
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Mitchell Santner’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 5/10
- Strategic Acumen: 7/10
- Overall Evaluation: 6/10
Santner is new to captaincy, but he reads the game well. He adapts strategies effectively, making him a strong leader.
7. Afghanistan – Hashmatullah Shahidi
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Hashmatullah Shahidi’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 7/10
- Strategic Acumen: 5/10
- Overall Evaluation: 6/10
Shahidi has done well despite limited resources, bringing out the best in his team. However, he has been criticized for reactive decision-making rather than proactive planning.
8. Bangladesh – Najmul Hossain Shanto
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Najmul Hossain Shanto’s ODI Captaincy Stats
- Experience: 2/10 (11 matches)
- Strategic Acumen: 3/10
- Overall Evaluation: 2.5/10
Shanto has faced challenges in his short time as captain. He has the lowest win percentage among the Champions Trophy 2025 captains. His lack of tactical flexibility has been a significant weakness.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, all eyes will be on the leadership of these captains. How well they adapt their strategies, cope with stress, and motivate their teams will be vital for the tournament’s result.