The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is fast approaching, with only two weeks left until the tournament kicks off on February 19. Set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, this prestigious event will feature eight of the world’s top-ranked cricket teams battling for supremacy. However, as teams finalize their squads ahead of the tournament, injuries and form have led to a number of expected changes.
1. Varun Chakravarthy: India’s Mystery Spinner Making a Case for Champions Trophy 2025
One of the most notable developments in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy is the rise of India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy. Having been a standout performer in the recent T20I series against England, Chakravarthy has been turning heads with his superb bowling. With 14 wickets in just five games, he was named Player of the Series and was subsequently added to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against England.
Chakravarthy, known for his variations and mystery spin, is still yet to make his ODI debut, but his List A record speaks volumes. He has claimed 59 wickets in 23 games at an impressive average of 14.13, conceding just 4.28 runs per over. Given his form, there is growing speculation that he could be included in India’s Champions Trophy squad, potentially replacing either Axar Patel or Washington Sundar. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will likely keep a close eye on his performance in the series against England before making a decision.
2. South Africa’s Search for a Replacement for Anrich Nortje
South Africa, who reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, were hit with a significant blow ahead of the Champions Trophy, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out due to a recurring back injury. This is the sixth consecutive ICC 50-over tournament that Nortje has missed due to injury, and his absence has left a huge gap in South Africa’s pace attack.
In their search for a replacement, the Proteas are in a tough spot. Gerald Coetzee was initially the front-runner, but he too is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the SA20. South Africa will now likely rely on other fast bowlers like Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, and Ottneil Baartman, all of whom have had fitness concerns. In a recent announcement, head coach Rob Walter named a mix of uncapped players such as Gideon Peters and Eathan Bosch to compete for the role. Given the injury crisis, South Africa will be hoping for some quick recovery to secure a competent replacement before the tournament starts.
3. Australia’s Bowling Concerns: Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood’s Absence
Australia has also been struck by injuries to two key members of their bowling unit. Star fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are both likely to miss the Champions Trophy 2025 due to injuries. Cummins, the Australian captain, is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Hazlewood is struggling with a hip issue.
The absence of both players is a huge blow to Australia’s chances, as both have been pivotal in the team’s success in recent years. With their experienced duo unavailable, Australia will need to rely on replacements from a pool of talented fast bowlers. Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Scott Boland, and Riley Meredith are the leading candidates to fill in. Johnson, in particular, has impressed in the Big Bash League (BBL) and is seen as the front-runner for the role, while Behrendorff and Meredith also had strong campaigns in the BBL.
4. Australia’s Search for a Mitchell Marsh Replacement
The injury list for Australia doesn’t end with their pace bowlers. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has also been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury, further depleting Australia’s already thin resources. Marsh, a key contributor at the top of the order, was a major part of Australia’s recent white-ball success. Along with Marsh, Cameron Green has also been ruled out, meaning Australia will need to find another replacement for the all-rounder position.
Australia has a few options for the replacement, with Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie in the squad as seam-bowling all-rounders. The team also has a number of batters who can bowl spin, including Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Matt Short. While all these options are promising, Jake Fraser-McGurk, despite his limited opportunities, could also be in contention. However, his recent form leaves some doubt, and other players like Cooper Connolly and Beau Webster might also be considered.
5. Key Takeaways Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
As teams prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025, injuries are proving to be a major factor in shaping the squads. With some teams like India and Australia facing key absences in their ranks, the battle for replacements is heating up. Varun Chakravarthy’s rise, South Africa’s search for a pacer, and Australia’s reshuffling of their bowling and all-rounder departments will be critical as the tournament draws nearer.
The Champions Trophy will be an exciting contest, but it’s clear that the competition will see several changes and tactical adjustments in the squads as teams continue to finalize their line-ups. With the tournament beginning in just under two weeks, fans can expect plenty of drama and intrigue as the final squads are locked in.
