The Greatest Champions Trophy Winners XI: A Team of Tournament Winners
The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the “Mini World Cup,” has been a stage where the world’s best cricketers showcased their brilliance. Over the years, this tournament has witnessed some unforgettable performances from players who turned the tide in their team’s favour.
But what if we could assemble the ultimate Champions Trophy Winners XI? A dream team made up of players who not only won the tournament but also left a lasting impact. After careful analysis of records, performances, and influence, here’s the greatest Champions Trophy XI of all time.
The Champion Openers
1. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2004
Champions Trophy Stats: 791 runs in 17 matches at an average of 52.73, strike rate of 88.77, including 3 centuries.
The “Universe Boss” needs no introduction. Gayle is the all-time highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy, amassing 791 runs at an average of 52.73. His ability to take apart bowling attacks was instrumental in West Indies’ 2004 title win. Whether it was setting the tone at the top or finishing games in style, Gayle was a true match-winner.
2. Sourav Ganguly (India)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2002 (shared)
Champions Trophy Stats: 665 runs in 13 matches at an average of 51.15, strike rate of 77.12, including 3 centuries.
A fearless leader and an elegant batsman, Ganguly played a pivotal role in India’s joint triumph in 2002. With 665 runs at an average of 51.15, including three centuries, he remains one of the most successful batsmen in Champions Trophy history.
The Middle Order of Champions Trophy Winners
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – Captain
Champions Trophy Winner: 2006, 2009
Champions Trophy Stats: 593 runs in 18 matches at an average of 39.53, including 1 century.
One of the most successful captains in cricket history, Ponting led Australia to back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009. A man for the big stage, he scored 593 runs in 18 matches, and his ability to control chases and play dominant innings makes him a natural fit in this squad.
4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Champions Trophy Winner: 1998
Champions Trophy Stats: 653 runs in 17 matches at an average of 54.41, and 20 wickets at an average of 26.25.
Arguably one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, Kallis was the Player of the Tournament in 1998, guiding South Africa to their only Champions Trophy win. With 653 runs and 20 wickets in 17 matches, he could single-handedly change the game with either bat or ball.
5. Virat Kohli (India)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2013
Champions Trophy Stats: 651 runs in 15 matches at an average of 93.00, including 1 century and 5 fifties.
Kohli thrives in pressure situations, and the Champions Trophy was no different. He played a crucial role in India’s 2013 triumph, accumulating 651 runs in 15 matches at a staggering average of 93.00. His ability to chase down targets with precision makes him indispensable in this team.
6. MS Dhoni (India) – Wicketkeeper
Champions Trophy Winner: 2013
Champions Trophy Stats: 348 runs in 17 matches at an average of 34.80, and 19 dismissals (15 catches, 4 stumpings).
One of the most composed captains in cricket history, Dhoni led India to their second Champions Trophy title in 2013. Apart from his leadership, his 19 dismissals behind the stumps and 348 runs in the tournament highlight his importance as a finisher and a tactician.
All-Rounders of Tournament Winners
7. Shane Watson (Australia)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2006, 2009
Champions Trophy Stats: 453 runs in 12 matches at an average of 56.62, and 17 wickets at an average of 23.29.
Watson was a key figure in Australia’s dominance in the 2000s, contributing heavily with both bat and ball. He scored 453 runs at an average of 56.62 and took 17 wickets. His match-winning ability makes him a must-have in this XI.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2013
Champions Trophy Stats: 16 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 25.18, including a best of 5/36.
Jadeja was India’s hero in the 2013 edition, finishing as the highest wicket-taker (12 wickets in 5 matches). His left-arm spin, electric fielding, and handy lower-order batting make him the perfect all-rounder in this team.
Champion Bowlers: Lethal & Unstoppable
9. Brett Lee (Australia)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2006, 2009
Champions Trophy Stats: 22 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 26.86.
Raw pace, aggression, and an uncanny ability to strike early—Lee was a nightmare for batters. With 22 wickets in 16 matches, he was an essential part of Australia’s success in the Champions Trophy.
10. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2002 (shared)
Champions Trophy Stats: 24 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 20.16.
The highest wicket-taker in international cricket was equally dominant in the Champions Trophy. With 24 wickets in 17 matches, Muralitharan spun a web around batters and played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s 2002 shared title.
11. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Champions Trophy Winner: 2006
Champions Trophy Stats: 21 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 19.61, including a best of 5/37.
No bowling attack is complete without McGrath. The Australian legend was a master of accuracy and control, picking up 21 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 3.96. His ability to stifle runs and take crucial wickets in big games makes him a cornerstone of this dream team.
The 12th Man: Yuvraj Singh (India)
A match-winner in every sense, Yuvraj played a crucial role in India’s 2002 CT victory. While he misses out on the starting XI, his ability to turn matches with both bat and ball makes him the ideal 12th man.
Greatest CT Winners XI List:
- Openers: Chris Gayle, Sourav Ganguly
- Middle Order: Ricky Ponting (C), Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni (WK)
- All-Rounders: Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson, Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Brett Lee, Muttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath
Conclusion: Greatest Champions Trophy Winners XI
This XI is a perfect blend of power hitters, classical stroke-makers, all-rounders, and lethal bowlers. Each of these players has played a crucial role in their team’s success, cementing their legacy in Champions Trophy history.
Would this team be unbeatable? Well, cricket is a game of uncertainties, but with a lineup like this, it’s safe to say they would dominate any opposition!
Do you agree with this XI? Who would you replace? Let the debate begin!
