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The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy kicks off tomorrow, February 19, with eight elite cricket teams battling it out for supremacy. As the tournament begins, experts and former players are already speculating about the standout performances that will shape the competition.
The ninth editon of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Among them is Australia’s legendary fast bowler Brett Lee, who took to his YouTube channel to discuss the top five batters to watch out for in this year’s event. Lee’s expert picks focus on players who possess the skill, temperament, and form to dominate the tournament. His analysis includes key figures who could emerge as game-changers for their respective teams. With exciting predictions and top talent taking center stage, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to deliver high-quality cricket and unforgettable moments. The world eagerly awaits as the first ball is bowled tomorrow, with all eyes on these key players to leave their mark.
Brett Lee’s top 5 batters to watch out for
5. Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen makes Lee’s list as the fifth top batter to watch out for in the Champions Trophy. Klaasen, still carrying the sting of the T20 World Cup final defeat, is regarded as a superb hitter of the ball with a special ability to tackle spin bowling. His intelligent cricketing mind and adaptability make him a dangerous player in any format, particularly in pressure situations. Klaasen’s sharp cricketing acumen allows him to read the game effectively, and his all-round game, including his quick running between the wickets, makes him a prime candidate for high run-scoring performances. Lee suggested that Klaasen could be the game-changer for South Africa, capable of posting big scores when least expected.
“He’s a super hitter of the ball. He loves facing spin and he’s got great footwork. He’s also really good at running between the wickets, and that’s a key part of his game. What makes Klaasen stand out is his cricketing mind – he reads the game really well. Don’t be surprised if he’s amongst the runs. He has the ability to change the course of a match, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he has a massive impact on this tournament,” Lee said.
Also READ: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra predicts the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025
4. Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand‘s Rachin Ravindra takes the fourth spot, with Lee describing him as an exciting young talent with a wide array of strokes. Renowned for his elegant cover drive and pull shot, Ravindra is not only a fluent player but also someone who can dominate both fast bowlers and spinners. Lee emphasized Ravindra’s ability to go downtown and play a wide range of shots, making him a treat to watch. This Champions Trophy could be the perfect stage for Ravindra to showcase his skills and cement his reputation as one of the world’s top young batters. With his remarkable shot-making, he’s expected to rack up some big runs.
“Rachin Ravindra is a beautiful exponent of the cover drive, the pull shot – you name it, he’s got it. He’s a freak of nature, and I absolutely love watching him play. He’s fearless in his approach, taking on the fast bowlers and spinners alike. He can go downtown when needed and is a good player of spin. Ravindra’s got all the tools, and I think this tournament is a big opportunity for him to dominate on the world stage,” the 48-year-old emphasized.
3. Jos Buttler
England’s explosive batter Jos Buttler is an obvious pick for Lee’s list. Buttler has been one of England’s best white-ball players in recent years, known for his dominant approach and ability to shift pressure back on the opposition bowlers. Lee reflected on the difficulty of bowling to a player like Buttler, who not only looks to dominate but does so with precision. Buttler’s ability to accelerate in the later stages of the innings is another reason why Lee picks him as a key player to watch. If Buttler stays at the crease past the 40th over, his chances of getting a century are high, making him one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
“You have to pick him – he’s been England’s best white-ball batsman. Jos Buttler’s approach is all about domination. He looks to put the pressure right back on the fast bowlers, and that makes it super hard for them. When you bowl against someone like him, you know you’re up for a tough time. Think of the likes of the greats who have dominated in the white-ball format, like the RSA scales of the world. Jos is one of those guys. If he’s still there by the 40th over, you can bet he’ll be well past 100. I think Buttler will score big runs in this tournament,” the cricketer turned commentator reflected.
2. Travis Head
Travis Head’s consistency and calm under pressure earn him a spot as one of Lee’s top batters to watch. Having come off an excellent Test series against India, Head is in great form heading into the Champions Trophy. Known for his adaptability to subcontinent conditions, Head can counter both pace and spin with ease. His ability to sweep and use his feet against spin makes him a formidable player in any setting. Lee suggested that Head could be one of the tournament’s top run-scorers, particularly due to his cool-headed nature and ability to perform under pressure.
“Travis Head has to be in the top five for me. He’s an ICC specialist, and coming off a fantastic Test series against India, this guy just goes from strength to strength. He’s cool under pressure and does well in subcontinent conditions. He can sweep, use his feet against spin, and when he’s on, he’s a serious player. Head is one to watch, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him amongst the top run-scorers in this tournament,” the former right-arm pacer emphasized.
1. Shubman Gill
Lee has placed Shubman Gill as the number one batter to watch in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. While the obvious picks would be Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, Lee is backing Gill to take the spotlight in this tournament. As vice-captain of the Indian team, Gill has a lot to prove and will be eager to redeem himself after a period of relative silence. Lee believed Gill has the potential to return to his run-scoring ways and deliver some big performances, including possibly a couple of centuries. With a lot to prove on the world stage, Gill is expected to be one of the standout performers.
“You’d obviously think it would be Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma at the top of the list, and they’ll definitely score their fair share of runs, but I’ve gone with Shubman Gill. He’s been outstanding recently, and this 50-over format against the likes of Australia and Pakistan will give him a chance to prove himself again. Gill’s got a lot to prove, not just to the world but to himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds his winning ways again, gets back to scoring regularly, and potentially scores a couple of big centuries. Watch this space – Shubman Gill could be the top scorer in this tournament,” Lee concluded.
