Who are the ‘Game Changer’ players in the Champions Trophy? everyone’s eyes are on them
It would not be wrong to say that cricket has captivated the people of the subcontinent for the past century. The people of India and Pakistan do not just like cricket; they love it and consider it an integral part of their lives. Whether it’s the long format of Test cricket or the fast-paced T20, each style has its charm. It captivates hearts and inspires souls. Like a skilled dancer, a batsman sending the ball over the boundary with a flick of the wrist leaves the audience breathless. If Mirza Ghalib were alive today, he would likely be sitting in a stadium, praising the beauty of cricket.
We are convinced that cricket runs in our veins. In other words, it would flow through us like blood, pouring from our eyes.
The cricketers who have brought beauty and splendor to the game are those who have become kings of the field through years of hard work. Wherever they go, crowds follow. They are watched and revered. In India, cricketers are often considered gods, but in Pakistan, we have yet to reach that level of admiration. So, which stars are set to shine in the Champions Trophy?
Mitchell Santner New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner is considered as the captain and key batsman of New Zealand. As a left-arm bowler, he spins the ball more than the batsman expects, delivering each ball with slow, measured steps and a wave of his arms, leaving the batsman unsure of the length until the last moment. He bowled brilliantly during the tri-series in Pakistan and has previously achieved the feat of a clean sweep against India at home. His performance in the Champions Trophy will play a crucial role in his team’s success.
Fakhar Zaman Pakistan:
The national team has high hopes for Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman. Although he excels on fast pitches and struggles on slower ones, his ability to deliver match-winning innings in the absence of Saim Ayub can elevate the team. His two innings in the tri-series provided a solid start, though the team failed to support him. Fakhar Zaman’s century-making performance in the last Champions Trophy still serves as a reminder of his talent, earning him recognition and striking fear in his opponents. His record against New Zealand is also impressive, with Mitchell Santner labeling him a dangerous player. As the only Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs, Fakhar Zaman can turn the game in his favor at any moment.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Afghanistan:
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz is known as the king of storms. His lightning-fast batting strikes fear into bowlers’ hearts. What sets him apart is his fearless approach to batting. A master of square-of-the-wicket shots on the front foot, Gurbaz’s 151-run innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup remains unforgettable. He has proven his worth by scoring eight centuries in ODIs. In Group B, England will be a team to watch as they face off against Australia and South Africa.
Heinrich Klaasen South Africa:
When discussing the most dangerous batsmen in the modern era, Henry Klaasen is impossible to overlook. His presence in the South African team significantly strengthens the entire side. Known for his high and powerful sixes, Klaasen’s bat swings slowly, yet the ball disappears over the boundary in the blink of an eye. His performance in the last series against Pakistan left every bowler concerned. Klaasen’s batting in the Champions Trophy will surely grab attention.
Glenn Phillips New Zealand:
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips is one of the few batsmen capable of turning the tide of a match in the blink of an eye. With the physique of a bodybuilder, Phillips possesses immense power in his strong wrists, allowing even a light stroke to send the ball out of the stadium. His 98-run innings in just 7 overs against Pakistan in the tri-series has made him a key contender in the Champions Trophy. Pakistani fans eagerly await his batting performance.
Shreyas Iyer India:
Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer has made the biggest name at the international level in recent months. A great hitter with immense confidence, Iyer has scored five centuries in ODIs. After tough competition, Suryakumar Yadav has replaced him in the team. His batting will surely grab attention.
Apart from these players, many others will also be the center of attention. Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, South Africa’s David Miller, Pakistan’s Tahir Tayyab, India’s Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, England’s Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell are also among the key players. One innings from any of them can be more impactful than dozens of others. Some players may not be in top form right now but can deliver great performances at any time, including Babar Azam, Joe Root, Virat Kohli, Najam-ul-Hasan Shinto, Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Harry Brook. In both batting and bowling, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Adam Zampa, Kuldeep Yadav, and Adil Rashid are also players to watch.
