3 Reasons Steve Smith Will Succeed In Champions Trophy 2025

Jatin

Steve Smith is likely to lead Australia [Source: @ICC/x.com]Steve Smith is likely to lead Australia [Source: @ICC/x.com]

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Australia’s cricket fortunes may seem to be in disarray as key players are sidelined with injuries and the Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner. Yet there’s one bright spark who appears more than ready to pick up the slack: Steve Smith.

Time and again, this unorthodox run-machine has thrived on adversity and turned every challenge into an opportunity to shine. With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to unfold in Pakistan and Dubai, here are 3 reasons why Steve Smith will succeed in the tournament.

1. Batting Form That’s Red-Hot

Steve Smith’s bat has been breathing fire lately. After a hesitant start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he turned around his form by racking up a ton in the third Test and following it up with another century soon after.

He carried that momentum straight into the Big Bash League, smashing a hundred in his very first outing. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he captained Australia in a Test series against Sri Lanka and scored over 270 runs in just two innings. Talk about red-hot form!

What makes Smith particularly formidable is his adaptability. While he’s known for his quirky technique and constant fidgeting at the crease, his true superpower is reading the situation. Whether it’s playing spin in the subcontinent or handling raw pace on bouncier tracks, Smith has a knack for adjusting his game on the fly.

Pakistan and Dubai where the Champions Trophy will be co-hosted are known for surfaces that can be slower and lower but also offer enough for the quicks under lights. Smith’s proven he can dig in like a tick on a dog, rotating strike against spinners and cracking boundaries when the seamers stray in line or length. If his recent performances are any indication, he will be the rock in Australia’s batting lineup.



2. Ability To Lead From The Front

With Pat Cummins sidelined, the captaincy question has loomed large over the Aussie camp. While Travis Head is in the mix, Smith’s experience gives him the edge. After all, he has been there, done that and then done it again.

Captaining the team to a 2–0 drubbing of Sri Lanka in Tests is just the latest feather in his cap, showcasing his ability to pull the right strings under trying conditions.

Smith thrives under extra responsibility. Having the captain’s armband tends to sharpen his focus rather than bog him down. The added weight of leading a side missing several star players could actually bring out the best in him, galvanizing the younger members of the squad.

Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign could hinge on how well Smith and company handle the mental side of the game. It’s a short, sharp tournament, and a single slip-up could be curtains.

With Smith at the helm, the Aussies are less likely to lose their way. His fierce competitive streak can steady the ship when the seas get rough, ensuring that fringe players like Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Matthew Short know exactly what’s expected of them.

3. Big-Match Temperament

They say some players wilt like a lettuce in the sun when faced with high-stakes encounters but Steve Smith isn’t one of them. He thrives in high-octane scenarios, whether it’s the World Test Championship final or the business end of a World Cup.

In the 2015 ODI World Cup final, he scored a measured fifty that helped Australia bag the trophy. More recently, he slammed a statement-making 121 runs in the WTC 2021–2023 final against India.

The Champions Trophy may be shorter than a traditional World Cup, but the margin for error is razor-thin. You can’t afford any off days. Here’s where Smith’s big-match mindset shines. He doesn’t just handle pressure, he seems to relish it.

The moment the stakes go through the roof, his concentration hits a whole new gear, allowing him to dig in, build an innings, and force the opposition onto the back foot. Plus, opponents know that if you don’t get him early, he’ll bat and bat and bat.

In such high-stakes matches, Smith’s composure can be a game-changer. While other players might get carried away by the occasion, Smith keeps his eyes on the prize, focusing on the fundamentals: rotate strike, punish bad balls, and respect good deliveries. For a tournament where every match could feel like a knockout, that ability to hold his nerve is like gold dust.