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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 reaches its grand conclusion, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, have weighed in with their selections for the standout performers of the tournament. From the best batter and bowler to the most clutch performance and biggest disappointment, the duo provided in-depth analysis of the competition’s defining moments. With India and New Zealand set to battle for the title on March 9 in Dubai, Hussain and Atherton refrained from naming a player of the tournament before the final but identified those who have left the biggest mark so far.
Best batter: Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton reveal their choices
When it came to selecting the best batter of the tournament, Hussain had no hesitation in choosing New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who has been one of the most consistent and stylish performers. The left-hander has already scored two centuries, playing crucial innings for his side, and Hussain was full of praise for his elegant stroke play.
“Not just the runs he’s got, but how he gets them – he’s so pleasing, so elegant on the eye. Just brilliant. He’s got two hundreds, played beautifully, and I’m hoping he shines in the final,” Hussain remarked.
Atherton agreed that Ravindra’s performances have been crucial for New Zealand. His ability to anchor the innings, accelerate when needed, and play classical strokes with authority has made him a standout performer. The 24-year-old has shown remarkable composure under pressure, making him one of the key players to watch in the final.
Best bowler so far in the ninth edition
While several bowlers have had impressive campaigns, both Hussain and Atherton were in agreement that Matt Henry has been the standout bowler of the tournament. The New Zealand pacer has consistently provided early breakthroughs despite the batting-friendly conditions in Pakistan.
“The pitches have been so flat, they’ve done nothing, and yet Henry continues to take new-ball wickets,” said Hussain. Atherton added, “His economy rate is even higher than Mohammad Shami’s, who’s also had an excellent tournament, but I’ve gone with Henry because of his ability to make an impact early on,”
Henry has been instrumental in giving New Zealand strong starts with the ball, often dismissing opposition openers within the first few overs. His swing, pace, and discipline have made him a crucial weapon in the Kiwi bowling attack, and he will be expected to play a big role in the final against India.
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Best catch of the Champions Trophy 2025
One of the most debated categories was the best catch of the tournament, with several moments of brilliance in the field. However, both experts ultimately chose Glenn Phillips’ sensational grab of Virat Kohli against India, which stunned the crowd into silence.
“The reaction of the crowd, the silence in the stadium, and the sheer athleticism – it was just amazing,” Atherton stated. Phillips, who has earned a reputation as one of the best fielders in world cricket, produced a breathtaking moment of skill, diving at full stretch to complete an extraordinary catch.
Hussain added, “The first one he took was brilliant, but this one was even better because of how cleanly he caught it. Just a fantastic piece of fielding,”
Phillips’ fielding has been an asset for New Zealand throughout the tournament, and moments like these highlight why he is regarded as one of the top fielders in the world.
Most clutch performance in the tournament
When asked about the most clutch performance of the tournament, Hussain didn’t hesitate in picking Kohli’s match-winning innings against India in the semi-final. The former Indian captain once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best chasers in the game, holding his nerve in a high-pressure situation.
“King of the run chase – can you think of a better one?” Hussain asked rhetorically.
Atherton, however, went for Josh Inglis’ century, arguing that it was equally impressive in the context of the game.
“I thought that was a brilliant hundred in a great run chase. Under pressure, with the stakes so high, he delivered for Australia,” Atherton explained.
Most memorable moment
While individual performances have been outstanding, one innings stood above the rest in terms of sheer dominance and significance – Ibrahim Zadran’s 177-run knock against England. Hussain and Atherton both agreed that the Afghanistan opener’s innings was one of the best in the tournament.
“That innings will stick with me for a very long time. At 30 for 3, against an England attack featuring Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, most teams would have folded. But Zadran played like he had all the time in the world, making batting look effortless. His fitness levels were outstanding – while others were cramping, he looked as fresh as ever. Truly remarkable,” Hussain admitted,”
Zadran’s innings not only helped Afghanistan post a competitive total but also signaled their arrival as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
Most disappointing team ahead of the final
Perhaps the easiest category to decide was the most disappointing team of the tournament. Without hesitation, both Hussain and Atherton named England, who failed to register a single win in their campaign.
“England, England, England – end of story,” Hussain said bluntly.
Atherton added, “A team with this much talent should not have performed this badly. From the batting to the bowling, nothing clicked. They will need a serious rethink after this disaster,”
England came into the tournament with high expectations but failed to deliver, leaving fans and experts alike bewildered by their lackluster displays.
Best team: India or New Zealand
Finally, when it came to picking the best team of the tournament, Hussain and Atherton agreed that India and New Zealand have been the two most deserving teams to reach the final.
“Whoever wins the final will be the best team, but based on performances so far, these two have been a class apart,” Hussain stated.
“India have been dominant, playing with confidence and skill, while New Zealand have been the ultimate street fighters. No one can argue that these aren’t the best two teams in the tournament,” Atherton concluded,
