ICC Champions Trophy Tips: Shubman Gill to Make Top Run Scorer?
After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy returns for what is likely to be a memorable mustering of the world’s top eight 50-over teams over an 18-day period.
As hosts and defending champions, Pakistan will look to capitalise on home conditions but they face stiff competition, particularly from tournament favourites India.
The T20 World Cup holders refused to travel to Pakistan, so all their matches will take place in Dubai under a hybrid model — giving the Men in Blue a unique advantage over their rivals.
There are big question marks over the credentials of England and Australia this year, with both teams suffering recent warm-up defeats on the subcontinent.
Neither South Africa or New Zealand have been able to consistently get the better of India lately, although there is scope for Bangladesh and Afghanistan to upset the odds once more.
Tip 1: India to win the ICC Champions Trophy @ 7/5
India enters the tournament as the team to beat, riding high after a dominant 3-0 series win over England. All their matches, including potential knockouts, are to be played in Dubai, allowing them to tailor their squad for the venue’s conditions. Having ended their global trophy drought with a T20 World Cup win last year, India’s well-rounded squad is bolstered by four batters in the ICC top-10 rankings and three bowlers among the top dozen. Their recent form and consistency make the 7/5 odds a strong outright bet.
Tip 2: Afghanistan Top-4 Finish @ 3/1
Group B pits Afghanistan alongside traditional one-day powerhouses Australia, England and South Africa. While Australia lifted the 50-over World Cup less than two years ago, injuries to key players like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins weakens their bowling attack. England also enter the tournament on shaky ground after a 3-0 loss to India, making their 7/1 odds for a title win unconvincing.
The Atalans emerge as a dark horse in this group. Familiar with conditions in Pakistan and armed with a world-class spin attack led by Rashid Khan, they are well-suited to exploit turning pitches. Afghanistan’s batting has also improved significantly, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz outperforming several big names in recent ODIs. Having defeated major teams like England and Pakistan in last year’s World Cup, Afghanistan offers excellent value at 3/1 to reach the semi-finals.
Tip 3: Shubman Gill – Top Tournament Run Scorer @ 13/2
Shubman Gill is currently ODI cricket’s most in-form batter. The Indian opener recently dismantled England’s bowling attack with scores of 87, 50, and 112 and boasts an impressive career average of over 60. After recovering from health setbacks in 2024, Gill has regained his peak form with three centuries and seven 50s in his last 19 innings. Given his consistency and India’s expected deep run in the tournament, Gill is a standout candidate for top run-scorer at 13/2.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation