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The 2025 Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and all eight teams have begun their preparations for the big event.
Each team has announced a strong squad, with some big and exciting names set to be in action. However, there is one player from each team who could be the most valuable in their quest for success in the tournament.
Here predicting the MVP of each team in the Champions Trophy 2025
India - Virat Kohli
The star veteran batter will be crucial for Team India’s success in the upcoming event. Despite his recent struggles, especially in red-ball cricket, fans expect him to find his rhythm in the white-ball format.
Over the years, this format has suited Kohli well. In the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, he was the highest run-scorer. He also played a match-winning knock in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Once again, on spin-friendly tracks, especially at number three, he will be essential.
However, he missed the first match of the ongoing home ODI series against England due to a niggle. He is most likely to return for the second game.
Bangladesh - Mehidy Hasan Miraz
For Bangladesh, qualifying for the next round will be a tough challenge considering the strong opponents in their group. However, one player who can step up is Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
His all-round abilities, especially his spin and effective batting, can be valuable for the team. Although he bats down the order, his crucial runs can give Bangladesh the needed cushion and confidence, whether chasing or setting a total.
It will be interesting to see how skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto uses him in different phases of the game as a wicket-taking option.
New Zealand - Rachin Ravindra
This youngster has been sensational since his arrival, whether in international cricket or franchise leagues. His ability to play spin so well makes him a valuable player for New Zealand.
Rachin will be in action in the tri-series in Pakistan, which will give an idea of how well-prepared he is for the upcoming event. Along with his batting, he can also bowl, adding more impact to his inclusion in the playing XI.
Pakistan - Babar Azam
The star Pakistan batter will be expected to deliver a grand performance, especially in home conditions and in front of the home crowd.
With Saim Ayub missing due to injury, Babar might be given the responsibility to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman. He recently smashed two back-to-back fifties in the ODI series against South Africa.
Now, he will have another chance to prepare for the upcoming event by scoring runs in the home tri-series against the Kiwis and the Proteas.
Afghanistan - Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is still one of the few bowlers who regularly trouble batters, despite playing so many matches in international and franchise cricket.
If Afghanistan wants to achieve something special in this tournament, Rashid will be their key player. Along with his bowling, his attacking batting down the order can add quick runs when needed.
On spin-friendly pitches, batters will struggle to read him, especially in the middle overs, if he consistently hits the right line and length.
England - Liam Livingstone
Livingstone is currently playing in the three-match ODI series against India. However, his all-round abilities make him a key player for England in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He is known for his power-hitting, but his support of Adil Rashid with his spin bowling makes him even more valuable to Jos Buttler and his team.
Australia - Steve Smith
The veteran batter has hit form at the right time. In his last five Test matches, Steve Smith has scored four centuries for Australia. Although the format is different, this confidence boost will help him.
With Pat Cummins ruled out, Smith is expected to lead the side. That added responsibility, along with his ability to play spin well, makes him a crucial player for Australia’s success on Pakistan pitches.
Even in the Big Bash tournament, he showed a different approach, playing ultra-aggressive cricket and smashing bowlers all over the park.
South Africa - Heinrich Klaasen
The fate of the Proteas will depend a lot on the form of Heinrich Klaasen. He is known for his aggressive batting in the middle order.
If South Africa’s top-order batters provide a solid platform, Klaasen can come in and dominate the bowlers. That will give the team a big advantage throughout the tournament.
However, facing quality spinners in the middle overs could be tricky for him. Still, the power he generates in every shot is enough to send the ball into the stands.
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