The ICC Champions Trophy is back after eight years, starting on February 19 with Pakistan facing New Zealand. This tournament features the top eight teams from the 2023 World Cup, with the final set for March 9.
Pakistan won the last edition in 2017, defeating India by 180 runs. India and Australia, both two-time champions, have a rich history in the competition. India shared the 2002 title with Sri Lanka and won outright in 2013, while Australia claimed back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2009.
Both teams face injury concerns. Australia is missing five key players, while India will be without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Though they won’t meet in the group stage, a semi-final or final clash is possible. As the tournament begins, here’s a combined India-Australia all-time Champions Trophy XI.
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan & Sourav Ganguly
Shikhar Dhawan played only two editions but remains the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer. In just 10 innings, he amassed 701 runs at an average of 77.88, with three centuries and three fifties. He won the Golden Bat in both 2013 and 2017.
Sourav Ganguly, a legendary Indian captain, is the fifth-highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. He scored 665 runs in 11 innings at 73.88, including three centuries. His standout 141-run knock in the 2000 semi-final against South Africa led India to the final.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, Adam Gilchrist, Ravindra Jadeja
Ricky Ponting (Captain)
A two-time World Cup-winning captain, Ponting led Australia to Champions Trophy victories in 2006 and 2009. He scored 593 runs in 18 innings at 39.53, including a century and four fifties.
Damien Martyn
Known for his elegant stroke play, Martyn scored 492 runs in 11 innings at 61.50, with five fifties.
Rahul Dravid
Dravid, a key player for India, scored 627 runs in 15 innings at 48.23, registering six fifties. He also served as a makeshift wicketkeeper when needed.
Shane Watson
Watson played a crucial role in Australia’s 2006 and 2009 triumphs, scoring centuries in both finals. Across 15 matches, he made 453 runs at 41.18 and took 17 wickets, making him a top all-rounder.
Adam Gilchrist (Wicketkeeper)
An aggressive left-handed batter, Gilchrist scored 382 runs in 13 innings at 31.83, with two fifties. He could also move up the order depending on the situation.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja had an impressive Champions Trophy debut in 2013, taking a five-wicket haul against West Indies. He picked up 16 wickets in 10 matches at 25.18 and played a crucial knock in the 2013 final against England.
Bowlers: Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Zaheer Khan
Brett Lee
Lee’s blistering pace made him a key threat. He played from 2000 to 2009, taking 22 wickets in 15 innings at 26.86, with best figures of 3/38.
Glenn McGrath
McGrath, a master of accuracy, took 21 wickets in 12 innings at 19.61. His consistency made him one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers.
Zaheer Khan
A skilled left-arm seamer, Zaheer was a key performer in the 2000 edition. Despite playing only two tournaments, he took 15 wickets in nine matches at 24.53.