Champions trophy returns: Who’s favored to win? Insights from cricket legends

After an eight-year break, the Champions Trophy is finally making its return, with Pakistan and New Zealand facing off in the opening match. 

This tournament is extra special as it marks the first time in a long while that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event. 

The last time the Champions Trophy was played, Pakistan walked away as the champions, so the pressure is on for them to defend their title.

India, however, is not one to back down easily. They’ll play the entire tournament in Dubai, giving them a significant advantage with the conditions. 

The conditions there are expected to suit them more than some of the other teams, making them a strong contender. 

On the other hand, Australia, the reigning World Cup champions, is also eyeing the trophy, hungry for another win. South Africa and New Zealand, with their solid form, should not be underestimated either.

When asked about the favorites, former cricketers have had some interesting picks. Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistani legend, believes that both Pakistan and New Zealand are the strongest teams for the title. 

Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri, the former Indian coach, has no hesitation in naming India as the favorite, but he too acknowledges Pakistan’s strength, calling them a formidable team. 

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, sees both Australia and India as the top contenders for the tournament win.

Emerging Players to Watch in the Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy is always full of surprises, and this year, there are plenty of exciting rising stars to keep an eye on.

Players like Zakir Ali from Bangladesh, Tayyab Tahir from Pakistan, and Varun Chakravarthy from India have caught the attention of many experts as potential game-changers.

Other emerging talents include Tom Banton from England, Aaron Hardy from Australia, and Will O’Rourke from New Zealand.

Game-Changers in the Tournament: Who Could Make a Big Impact?

In addition to these rising stars, former cricketers have also named a list of players who could make a real impact and change the game.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh, Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan, and Hardik Pandya from India are all expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ performances.

Ben Duckett from England, Heinrich Klaasen from South Africa, Travis Head from Australia, and Kane Williamson from New Zealand are also on the radar as potential game-changers.

Afghanistan‍‍`s Rahmatullah Gurbaz is another name that could surprise everyone with his brilliance.

The stage is set for a thrilling Champions Trophy, and with so many strong teams and promising players, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. 

But with insights from these cricket legends, fans can expect an action-packed tournament full of unforgettable moments.