Well, the only talk of the town currently is the Champions Trophy, which is not far away, as it is set to start on 19 February and will run until 9 March. What makes this tournament special is that it usually feels like a mini World Cup, as each team plays with the same intensity as they do in the ODI World Cup.
All teams have announced their squads, and many have made changes. We won’t see some big names, primarily because of injuries. However, what we will see are the star wicketkeepers showcasing their acrobatic skills and stylish batting abilities.
Among the eight teams, everyone have wicketkeepers in their squads, some are going with three, while others have four. But surely, each team has at least one stylish wicketkeeper-batter ready to take charge. But look at three teams that are well set with their wicketkeepers, who look like strong candidates to steal the spotlight in the Champions Trophy.
India
India are going with two wicketkeepers, and rightly so, as they are solid options. Although we will most likely see KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant, this is mainly because this is the format where Rahul thrives. We have seen this in the past as well. From the last ODI World Cup to the other 50-over matches he has played, he has consistently performed well with the bat, behind the stumps with the gloves, and even in helping the captain with DRS decisions, showing his sharp ability to read the game from behind the stumps.
Yes, Rahul hasn’t been in peak form lately, but there is no question about the stability he provides. The best thing about him is his flexibility, he can open the innings or bat in the middle order, showcasing how well he can adapt when he knows his role clearly. He is surely going to be a big asset for India in the Champions Trophy 2025.
England
Jamie Smith, captain Jos Buttler, and Philip Salt are the three options for England, but it is Salt who we may see taking on the glove work and the role of hitting the ball out of the park, something he is known for. Form has not been on his side in recent times, but there is no doubt about his capability. He has the ability to consistently clear the boundary.
Lately, he has been getting good starts but has struggled to convert them into big scores. However, for England, there is a high chance that he will play a key role and aim to deliver better results in the upcoming ICC tournament.
South Africa
Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen, and Tristan Stubbs are the three options from the South Africa side. Yes, the Proteas are currently struggling to get good results in ODI cricket, but the amount of talent they possess is incredible.
From the wicketkeeping section, Klaasen is the one we will mainly see taking on the glove work, and he has been performing well lately. He showcased his fiery batting against Pakistan recently and is always known for his impressive batting. Klaasen comes across as a confident player who never takes a back seat, always going after the ball and trying to clear the boundary consistently.
He will be a crucial asset for South Africa not just because of his game but also due to his experience.
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