8 Captains in focus: Who will conquer ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, eight skippers prepare to lead their teams in one of cricket’s most fiercely contested tournaments.

Each captain carries the weight of expectations, hoping to guide their side to ODI glory in Pakistan over 19 days of high-stakes action.

With the top eight ODI teams vying for supremacy, we take a closer look at the men at the helm, their journeys, iconic moments in their careers, and the Champions Trophy challenges ahead.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan)

The 30-year-old left-handed batsman has emerged as a steady and determined leader for Afghanistan, guiding them through a historic 2023 World Cup campaign.

Under his captaincy, Afghanistan stunned former champions England and Pakistan while also securing a win over Sri Lanka, proving they are no longer underdogs in world cricket.

Shahidi now leads Afghanistan in their maiden Champions Trophy appearance, determined to continue their upward trajectory.

Despite being newcomers to the tournament, he is confident in his squad’s ability to challenge the best.

"We have the talent to beat every side in every format," Shahidi said. "The Champions Trophy is a big challenge, but we are looking forward to proving ourselves on the big stage."

Steve Smith (Australia)

One of the modern greats of the game, Steve Smith returns to captain Australia in the Champions Trophy, having previously led them in the 2017 edition.

With Pat Cummins unavailable, the experienced right-hander is entrusted with guiding the reigning ODI world champions in their quest for a third title in this competition.

Smith, a key figure in Australia’s dominant white-ball and red-ball campaigns over the past decade, knows the challenge ahead, especially with some key players missing. However, he remains confident in the squad’s depth.

"They all have their own unique skills. My role is to bring out the best in them at the right time," Smith said, underlining his leadership approach.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)

Leading Bangladesh in his third ICC event, the 26-year-old left-hander has embraced the responsibility of captaincy at a time when the team is undergoing a transitional phase.

Despite the challenges, Shanto is determined to push Bangladesh toward their first major ICC title.

Bangladesh have often been competitive in global tournaments but have fallen short at crucial junctures. This time, Shanto believes they have the squad to go all the way.

"We all want to win the trophy. In the last few tournaments, we haven’t done well, but this time we are thinking differently. If we execute our plans, we can win," he said, exuding confidence.

Jos Buttler (England)

An explosive wicketkeeper-batsman and an experienced leader, Jos Buttler is no stranger to ICC glory. He played a pivotal role in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and later led them to the T20 World Cup title in 2022.

Now, he aims to guide England to their maiden Champions Trophy victory.

Despite England’s struggles in recent ODI series, including a disappointing campaign in India, Buttler remains optimistic. He believes the squad has the potential to turn things around when it matters most.

"The fact that we haven’t played at our best yet gives us something to aim for. We know our potential and believe we can be a dangerous team in the Champions Trophy," Buttler said.

Rohit Sharma (India)

A veteran of the Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma has experienced success in this tournament before, playing a key role in India's 2013 title-winning campaign.

Now, he leads India into the competition for the first time as captain, looking to add another trophy to his illustrious career.

Under his leadership, India dominated the 2023 ODI World Cup before falling short in the final, and he followed that up by guiding the team to a T20 World Cup triumph.

With India arriving on the back of a commanding 3-0 series sweep over England, Rohit is confident in his squad’s approach.

"There is freedom in the squad to go out there and play the way you are supposed to play," Rohit said, emphasizing India’s aggressive batting philosophy. "We want to build on the momentum we have, even if things don’t always go our way."

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

A seasoned campaigner and one of the most dependable all-rounders in New Zealand cricket, Santner steps into his first ICC event as captain.

The experienced left-arm spinner has already shown promise in the leadership role, guiding New Zealand to an unbeaten run in the recent Tri-Nation series against Pakistan and South Africa.

New Zealand have consistently performed well in ICC tournaments, often reaching the latter stages. Santner is hopeful his side can take the final step this time.

"It is nice to win (the Tri-Nation series), but it means nothing until we play that first game at the Champions Trophy," he said, emphasizing the bigger challenge ahead.

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s captain enters the Champions Trophy with the added responsibility of leading the defending champions on home soil.

Since taking over the role, Rizwan has inspired his side to historic ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa, proving his leadership credentials.

Rizwan also enters the tournament in fine form, including a recent century against South Africa in the tri-series preceeding the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan, who won the Champions Trophy 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed, will be eager to defend their title in front of their home fans. Rizwan understands the weight of expectations but remains focused on the opportunity.

"Hosting the Champions Trophy is a proud moment for us. We have done well in ODIs recently, and we are eager to perform in front of our home crowd," Rizwan said.

Temba Bavuma (South Africa)

Leading South Africa in his first Champions Trophy campaign, Bavuma has already guided the Proteas to significant achievements, including a semi-final run in the 2023 ODI World Cup and a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.

Now, he hopes to take South Africa a step closer to their first major ICC trophy since 1998.

Bavuma acknowledges the unique challenge of the Champions Trophy, where the shorter format allows little room for error.

"In the World Cup, you have time to take stock and step up, but in the Champions Trophy, you don’t get that luxury. We have to be at our best from the very start," he said, determined to make an impact.

With eight captains leading eight world-class teams, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises intense competition and captivating cricket.

As the countdown begins, the stage is set for a tournament where leadership, tactics, and big-match temperament will decide who lifts the coveted trophy.

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