Champions Trophy 2025: X-Factor players of each team

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 returns after an eight-year gap, with eight top-ranked teams fighting it out across 15 matches in Pakistan and the UAE (United Arab Emirates), respectively. With high-intensity games, each team has a game-changer player who could prove to be their X-factor in the prestigious tournament.

For defending champions Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi’s new-ball spells will be crucial. His ability to dismantle top orders early could change the game for his side. India’s hopes will be on star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, respectively. Australia, always a strong contender, will look to Glenn Maxwell for fiery batting and handy off-spin, while England’s Jos Buttler remains their game-changer.  However, apart from them, some other players can prove to be 'X' factors for their respective sides in the upcoming mega cricket showdown.

Let's take a look at the X-factors of each team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

8. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan’s X-factor in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be none other than the talismanic spinner, Rashid Khan. His lethal bowling, all-round abilities, and leadership will make him a big asset. Though not the official captain, Rashid’s presence in the squad is a boon. Rashid has been instrumental in putting his country on the world map. He recently led MI Cape Town to their maiden SA20 title and also became the highest wicket-taker in T20 history, surpassing Dwayne Bravo’s 631 wickets.

In ODIs, Rashid has picked 198 wickets in 111 matches at an impressive economy of 4.20. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he bagged 11 wickets in nine games. There will be a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to perform and lead the attack.

7. Marco Jansen (South Africa)

For a team to have success in ODIs a game-changing all-rounder is essential, and for South Africa, Marco Jansen is that player in the Champions Trophy 2025. The tall 24-year-old with his left-arm bowling, bounce, and movement can trouble batters, while his late finishing skills with the bat make him a valuable asset.

Jansen has picked 41 wickets in 26 ODI matches and has a handy batting average of 27.1. His performances in SA20 2025 saw him winning Player of the Series with 19 wickets and 204 runs. He also played a key role in South Africa's 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final campaign with 17 wickets. His ability to bowl in all phases and play under pressure makes him South Africa’s X-factor in the Champions Trophy.