Welcome to the second instalment of our Top 5 in the Champions Trophy series! In the first part, we explored the top contenders for the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Now, we shift our focus to the bowlers, those game-changers who can turn matches with their sheer skill and precision. In this edition, we’ll break down the top five candidates most likely to emerge as the leading wicket taker in the Champions Trophy.
1. Rashid Khan
Let’s start with the Spin wizard from Afghanistan. The no 1 Bowler in the ICC ODI ranking for bowlers, Rashid has been in a purple patch for the last couple of months across formats. As the Tournament is going to be played in spin-favoring conditions, Rashid has the potential to be the leading wicket taker in the Tournament. As the spearhead of the spin department of Afghanistan, there will be pressure on Rashid to perform, but as we had seen before in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he took 14 Wickets when the pressure rises, Rashid shines.
2. Shaheen Shah Afridi
The left arm from Pakistan wasn’t in great form from the last couple of years, but he has gained form from the last 2 Series against Australia and South Africa, where he took 15 wickets in 6 matches to give Pakistan two historic Series victories. This Champions trophy will present an ideal chance for Shaheen to be the leading wicket taker as this tournament is going to be played in Pakistan. If anybody would these grounds better than anybody it has to be Shaheen.
3. Adil Rashid
Another spinner that comes in our list at no 3 is England’s Adil Rashid. The veteran spinner has been at the forefront of two World Cup successes for England in 2019 and 2022, and he will be itching to get his 3rd title for England. Adil has been in good form and the only silver lining in England’s 3-0 defeat against India, where he was the leading wicket taker of the series. If England has to do well, Rashid has to be at the forefront of it.
Also read: India’s Pace Ace Jasprit Bumrah has been Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025
4. Kagiso Rabada
Another big name who likes to perform at big stages is Kagiso Rabada. South Africa has been plagued by injuries as most of their first-line Pacers are injured, but if South Africa has a glimmer of hope, it’s because of Kagiso Rabada. The former no 1 Bowler has been in good form decently for the MI Capetown, with whom he won the SA 20 2025 title and was their highest wicket taker, too. With a new pace attached, if South Africa has to advance to the knockout stages, then Rabada has to be among the wickets and be the leading wicket taker in the tournament.
5. Kuldeep Yadav
Last but not least, the spin master from India. Under the Shadow of The great Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep has been most of the time underrated. But if you look at his record in Odis 174 wickets in 108 Odis, Kuldeep has been the wrecker in chief for India in the middle overs. With India playing all their matches in Dubai, Kuldeep will have the perfect chance to be the leading wicket taker of the tournament. With Bumrah out injured, India will hope Kuldeep can fill his giant shoes and help India win their record 3rd Champions trophy.
