ICC Champions Trophy has showcased stellar individual performances since its inception. This prestigious award recognizes the most impactful player in each edition. From dominant batters to lethal bowlers and exceptional all-rounders, these players left a lasting mark on the tournament.
1. 1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis was the key architect of South Africa’s first ICC tournament win. He was a brilliant all-rounder, delivering crucial performances with both bat and ball.
- Runs Scored: 164
- Wickets Taken: 8
- Final Performance: 5/30 & 37 runs
In the final against West Indies, he picked up five wickets for just 30 runs, dismantling their batting lineup. Later, his composed 37 runs helped South Africa chase down the target and lift the trophy.
2. 2004 – Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies)
Ramnaresh Sarwan played a pivotal role in guiding West Indies to their maiden Champions Trophy title. His batting was crucial in the knockout stages.
- Runs Scored: 166
- Key Performances:
- 56 vs Pakistan (Semifinal)*
- 75 vs South Africa (Group Stage)
Though he failed in the final (5 runs), his contributions in earlier matches proved decisive in West Indies’ title-winning campaign.
3. 2006 – Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Chris Gayle dominated the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, emerging as the top run-scorer of the tournament.
- Runs Scored: 474
- Centuries: 3 (including 133 in the semifinal*)
- Final Outcome: West Indies lost
Gayle became the only Player of the Tournament from a non-winning team. His aggressive batting played a vital role in getting West Indies to the final.
4. 2009 – Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting led Australia to their second consecutive Champions Trophy victory with his outstanding batting performances.
- Runs Scored: 288
- Key Innings:
- 111 vs England (Semifinal) – 252-run stand with Shane Watson*
- Two half-centuries in group matches
Ponting’s unbeaten 111 in the semifinal* was one of his most dominating innings, setting up Australia’s nine-wicket win. His leadership and consistent performances made him the best player of the tournament.
5. 2013 – Shikhar Dhawan (India)
Shikhar Dhawan announced himself on the global stage with an incredible batting display in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
- Runs Scored: 363
- Centuries: 2
- Key Performances:
- 114 off 94 balls vs South Africa
- Quick 31 in rain-shortened final vs England
Dhawan’s fearless batting helped India remain unbeaten in the tournament and lift the trophy.
6. 2017 – Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
Hasan Ali became the first specialist bowler to win the Player of the Tournament award in Champions Trophy history.
- Wickets Taken: 13
- Best Performances:
- 3/19 vs India (Final)
- 3/33 vs England (Semifinal)
His lethal bowling dismantled India’s batting lineup in the final, helping Pakistan secure a historic win.
7. 2025 – Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Rachin Ravindra emerged as a standout all-rounder in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His batting and fielding made a significant impact.
- Runs Scored: 263
- Wickets Taken: 3
- Catches: 5
- Key Performances:
- 112 vs Bangladesh
- Wicket of Rohit Sharma in the final
Ravindra became the first player in ODI history to score five centuries in ICC events before scoring any in bilateral series. His performances helped New Zealand reach the final, solidifying his status as one of cricket’s rising stars.
