Rachin Ravindra for CSK in IPL (Source:@JayGawas14/X.com)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to kickstart from March 22, and the excitement around the event is increasing with each passing day. The season is likely to dish out lot of surprises as all teams have been refabricated after mega auction, and some underrated teams have created a strong arsenal and it could be a challenging season for some old powerhouse team.
All the top players in the world played in Champions Trophy recently, and many of them created big impact with their consistent performances. Let's now see three Champions Trophy 2025 performing players who can force their way into their IPL team XI.
1. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra, the young New Zealand batter, continued his great form in ICC tournaments and in the three innings of Champions Trophy till semifinal, he hit two centuries. He scored his runs at a good strike-rate as well and can be an enforcer at the top of the order for CSK in IPL 2025.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 3 |
| Runs | 226 |
| Average | 75.33 |
| Strike-Rate | 103.67 |
| Wickets | 2 |
There is likely to be a toss-up between Rachin and Devon Conway for the opening slot and with the latter not in great form in recent times, Rachin could get a nod. In IPL 2024, Rachin Ravindra played 10 matches for CSK and could score 222 runs, but his strike-rate was 160.86 which makes him a more potent option for the modern-day T20 cricket.
Also, he can chip in with the ball as well, and could be handy in Chepauk, thus Rachin Ravindra could find a place over more established Devon Conway in CSK's IPL 2025 XI.
2. Azmatullah Omarzai
The Afghan pacer displayed his class in Champions Trophy and re-stamped his authority as one of the leading all-rounders in the 50-over game. He scored 126 runs in just three innings at a strike-rate of 104.13 and scored his runs at an average of 42. With the ball, Azmatullah took a five-wicket haul against England and picked seven wickets in the tournament, delivering both with the new and old.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 3 |
| Runs | 126 |
| Average | 42 |
| Strike-Rate | 104.13 |
| Wickets | 7 |
This form is likely to tempt Punjab Kings management to play him over one of their other fancied all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen. Omarzai can bat anywhere in the batting order and has the temperament to perform in pressure situations which can provide balance to the PBKS line-up. Thus, PBKS might try out a combination where they can fit in Omarzai along with other proven superstars.
3. Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips is a gun-fielder, but along with that he is a match-winner with the bat as well. He can take on the bowlers from the onset and can contribute with handy off-breaks as well. In the four innings of Champions Trophy 2025 so far, Phillips has scored 143 runs at a stunning strike-rate of 140.20 and average of 71.50.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 4 |
| Runs | 143 |
| Average | 71.50 |
| Strike-Rate | 140.20 |
| Wickets | 2 (3 Innings) |
Thus, his all-round skills and electrifying presence makes him a great candidate to be one of the four overseas players in GT's playing XI, and his current form is likely to help the 2022 Champions in the upcoming IPL season.
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