The 2025 Champions Trophy features 3 teams with formidable opening pairs. India’s dynamic duo combines experience and youth, Australia’s pair blends aggression and consistency, while England’s duo offers a mix of aggression and composure. Their performances will play a crucial role in their teams’ success throughout the tournament.
3. India – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is one of the most formidable in world cricket. Rohit, with 10,866 runs in 265 ODIs at an average of 49.16, is known for his consistency and ability to score big, having smashed 31 centuries. Gill, in just 47 matches, has accumulated 2,328 runs at an impressive average of 58.20, with 6 centuries and 13 half-centuries. Their contrasting styles—Rohit’s experience and Gill’s aggression—make them a dynamic duo capable of setting up strong starts or accelerating when needed. India will face Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener on February 20, 2025.
2. Australia – Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh
Australia’s opening pair of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh offers a perfect blend of aggression and consistency. Head has accumulated 2,645 runs in 69 matches, with an average of 44.08 and a strike rate of 104.05, including six centuries. Marsh, with 2,794 runs in 93 matches, boasts a strike rate of 95.58 and three centuries. Head is known for anchoring innings, while Marsh brings power to the table. Together, they form a formidable opening partnership. Their first test will come against England on February 22 in the Champions Trophy, setting the tone for the tournament.
1. England – Phil Salt and Ben Duckett
England’s opening duo of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett has brought a fresh and aggressive approach to the top order. Salt, with 866 runs in 27 matches, boasts a strike rate of 113.94 and a highest score of 122. While he has one century, his five half-centuries demonstrate consistency. Duckett, relatively new in ODIs, has impressed with 700 runs in 16 innings, averaging 46.66 with a strike rate of 99.71. His two centuries and five half-centuries underscore his potential. They will face off against Australia in the Champions Trophy on February 22, a match crucial for both teams’ momentum.