The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition kickstarts from February 19. The 9th edition of the tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). The top eight teams that qualified for the Champions Trophy from the 2023 World Cup will grind it hard to win the title.

With over eight editions being played, the tournament has seen it all amidst the clashes between the best versus best sides. One such element would be veteran batting campaigners who have shown their impact by scoring some pivotal and large count of runs. That said, here are the top five batters with the most runs across the ICC Champions Trophy timeline.

Rangpur Riders did the unthinkable as all hell broke lose during the 13th fixture of BPL 2025 between Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on January 9. Needing 26 in the final over, the skipper Nurul Hasan saved the day for his side and took Kyle Mayers to the cleaners plundering a record 30 runs to get the Riders over the line on the last ball of the run chase. In a show of brute force, Nural smashed three fours and three sixes a piece and scripted a massive upset for Fortune Barsishal who looked well on course for a comfortable victory.

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Nural Hasan scripts a win for the ages for Rangpur Riders

After winning the toss and opting to field first, Nurul and his men received a terrible pounding at the hands of Fortune Barishal batters most notably from Kyle Mayers who launched it to all parts and smashed a blazing 61 (29) to take Barishal to an imposing first innings score of 197. Tamim and Shanto also played a useful hand with the bat chipping in with formidable scores of 40 (34) and 41 (30) respectively. 

In reply, Rangpur Riders suffered an early setback by losing Alex Hales cheaply but Iftikhar Ahmed (48 in 36) and Khushdil Shah (48 in 24) kept the Riders in the hunt. But the run chase witnessed numerous twists and turns as it approached the dying moments. Shaheen was miserly in the 18th over and conceded only three while at the same time, he also managed to send Iftikhar packing. This brought the skipper Nurul Hasan to the crease. 

Upon his arrival, the equation for the Riders looked very daunting with 39 needed in the last two overs. Khushdil the first two balls of the penultimate over for a six which brought the required run rate down to a manageable figure. But the match turned again, as Rangpur lost Khushdil, Mahedi Hasan, and Mohammad Saifuddin over the next three legal balls.

With seven wickets down, it seemed that the writing was on the wall for Rangpur Riders as Nurul and Kamrul were left with 26 to score off Mayers's final over. At that time, Mayers' first over had only gone for seven runs. Very few had any idea of what was to come. Scenes of carnage ensued as soon as the final over of the run chase got underway. Nurul Hasan went on the offensive and launched a scathing assault on Mayers. He exploded with an array of strokes, taking Mayers for six, four, four, six, four, six to seal the match.

Nurul's 30-run blitzkrieg now the second-highest last-over score achieved by any team in a successful T20 run chase

Nurul's last-over heroics with the bat have helped him earn a well-deserved place in the record books. Nurul now holds the record for achieving the second-highest number of runs in the final over of a successful run chase in men's T20 cricket. Rinku Singh's 31-run over against Dayal in IPL 2023 holds the top spot in the list. 

However, the most number of runs scored in a T20 cricket is 34 runs, a feat achieved by Matt Coles of Kent against Somerset in the 2015 T20 Blast but in a losing cause. 

Cricket runs in the blood of many Indians, creating an enormous fanbase which has been prominent for quite a long time. However, in 2024, the landscape of the cricketing ecosystem has changed. Regarding Google Search, the modern-day gladiators have been surpassed by rising stars who have demonstrated their prowess on the most significant stage.

The IPL has always provided an excellent platform for rising players to demonstrate their abilities; this year has been no exception. The top three include two uncapped players who have performed admirably on a stage like the IPL.

At the same time, the first spot is retained by the all-rounder who displayed his impeccable comeback through the medium of cricket. That said, here's the list of the top three most searched players on Google, 2024 edition. 

Gautam Gambhir has been trending in Indian cricket news since he joined the Indian team as the head coach last July after India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 under the coaching of Rahul Dravid. 

Gambhir was one of the greatest openers in Indian cricket history. He had important roles in India’s winning the inaugural ICC World T20 trophy (2007) and also the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 as the co-host. He also had some great records as a captain.

While Gambhir also has some strong records as a mentor in the IPL, including winning the IPL 2024 title as the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders, he just started his head coach role for Team India and most things are not going well. 

Here we are going through key stats and facts about Gautam Gambhir as a batter, captain, and coach. 

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Gautam Gambhir as a batter

• The first Indian batter to earn the top 10 places in all three formats of the ICC Rankings.

• The first Indian batter to reach the no.1 place in the ICC T20I batting rankings. 

• The first Indian cricketer to record centuries in five consecutive Test matches.  

• Only Indian opener to face 500+ deliveries in a Test match (577 balls against England in Mohali in 2008).

• The first opener to win the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.

• The first Indian cricketer to score 50+ runs in both the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final.

• One of the important Indian names to win the ICC World T20 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

Gautam Gambhir as a captain 

• Only Indian captain to win the first six international matches. 

• Win two IPL trophies as a captain. 

• Only captain to win 10 successive IPL matches.

• First captain to win 14 successive T20 matches for a team (Kolkata Knight Riders).

Gautam Gambhir as a Head Coach

• India lost the first bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years.

• India lost the first home Test match against New Zealand after 36 years.

• India lost the home Test series against New Zealand for the first time.

• India lost a home Test series with three or more Tests in a whitewashed manner for the first time (0-3 by New Zealand).

• India became the first visiting team to win a Test match at Perth Stadium.

• India lost the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy after almost eight years.  

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the current timeline of the modern cricket ecosystem across all formats. The T20I format is not just the shortest format but also a game mode that has higher volatility to turn the tables. The format has much to offer, be it a swashbuckling innings or a crucial wicket at the eleventh hour of the game.

India had a dream run in their T20I campaign, with them clinching their second-ever ICC T20 World Cup, making us believe on only in Jassi Bhai. Jasprit Bumrah was one of those vital hands behind the team's victory. That said, here's a list of the top three memorable bowling performances from Jasprit Bumrah's T20I timeline. 

Jasprit Bumrah is touted as one of the best bowlers in the modern-day cricket. Be it the patience and resilience testing Test format or the highly intense and competitive white-ball formats, Bumrah has proved it all with his impeccable calibre and consistency.

Even though he encountered a phase of a major injury, that didn't stop him from unleashing his powerplay. The talismanic pacer holds a Top-10 spot in the ICC ODI Bowlers ranking list. That said, here we present to you the top three memorable bowling figures throughout Jasprit Bumrah's ODI stint. 

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's pivotal seamer, is widely considered the world's greatest all-format fast bowler. Across circumstances, spells, and oppositions, Bumrah has produced several match-winning stints, and his consistency has been remarkable.

Bumrah has found the most delight in away matches, and his record in SENA is remarkable, indicating that he possesses an exceptional cricketing talent. Currently, he holds the first spot on the ICC Test Bowlers' Ranking with a colossal 907 rating, making him the India bowler with the highest ICC rating points.

With his recent test wickets count touching an enormous 200, here we look at the top three bowling figures amongst many by Jasprit Bumrah in the red-ball format. 

Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers the game has ever seen. His ability to win matches with his batting, excellent fitness, and total commitment to his team have made him a legend. Over the last 15 years, Kohli has consistently performed at the highest level, shaping Indian cricket as a player and leader. Yet, his aggressive nature on the field, while often praised, has sometimes caused problems—leading to debates among fans, experts, and critics.

The Boxing Day Test, 2024: When Kohli's Passion Backfired

On the first day of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024, Kohli’s aggression was under the spotlight again. Facing a young Australian debutant, Sam Konstas, who boldly attacked India’s top bowlers, Kohli’s frustration showed. Walking towards Konstas after a bold shot, Kohli bumped shoulders with the youngster. The incident led to a heated exchange, and the umpires and players had to step in.

Konstas, seemingly motivated by the clash, changed gears and scored a quick 60 off 65 balls. His counterattack put India under pressure, and the team’s frustration gave the Australians more confidence. This moment—meant to unsettle the debutant—had the opposite effect, boosting his performance and shaking India’s focus.

Aggression That Backfires: Past Examples

This is not the first time Kohli’s intensity has caused setbacks. Here are a few key moments:

World Cup Final, 2023:

In the ODI World Cup final, Australia struggled at 47/3 while chasing 240. However, Kohli’s verbal exchanges with Marnus Labuschagne seemed to fire him up. Labuschagne built a crucial partnership with Travis Head, and his calm performance played a key role in Australia’s win.

England Tour, 2022:

During the fifth Test of the India-England series, Kohli had a heated exchange with Jonny Bairstow in the first innings. This appeared to inspire Bairstow, who went on to score centuries in both innings. England leveled the series 2-2, stopping India from achieving a historic series win.

Kohli's Intensity: Fuel for Success or a Source of Frustration?

Kohli’s passion and energy are a big part of his success. They have often driven him and his team to great victories. But cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. For batsmen, confidence and focus are key. When a player like Kohli uses verbal or physical aggression, it can scare or motivate the opponent. For mentally strong players, like Bairstow or Labuschagne, these challenges can push them to perform better.

Balancing Passion and Control

While these examples show times when Kohli’s aggression may have caused problems, they should not overshadow the many times his energy has lifted the Indian team. His celebrations, loud encouragement, and hunger for success have inspired teammates and scared opponents. For every moment of frustration, there are countless moments where his aggression led to success.

Kohli's Aggression as a Double-Edged Sword

Kohli’s aggression is both his strength and his weakness. It’s what makes him who he is—a symbol of modern cricket greatness. While his emotions sometimes lead to unwanted outcomes, they also drive him to achieve incredible things. Fans and critics must understand that Kohli’s passion is a key part of his game. Asking him to completely change would mean asking him to give up a part of himself.

In the end, Kohli’s aggression is a double-edged sword—it can drive his team to victory or inspire his opponents. As his career continues, finding the right balance will be important. No matter what, his place as one of the greatest cricketers in history is secure, built on his runs, wins, and the passion he brings to the game.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has already entered the thrilling mode as the five-match Test series is currently at 1-1 with three more Tests to be played. The Gabba in Brisbane will host the third Test of the series, starting on December 14. Talking about the Indian batting line-up in this crucial series, all eyes are on the former Indian captain Virat Kohli.  

The 36-year-old Indian cricketer Virat Kohli started the Test series with five runs in the first innings of the Perth Test. However, in the crucial third innings of that Test match, Kohli scored a brilliant century (100*) that helped the Indian team to claim a memorable win in the Test match.

However, while India lost the second Test at Adelaide, which was a day-night pink ball Test match, Kohli scored seven and 11 runs in that Test match.

India's success in this Test series is majorly dependent on Kohli's batting performances. However, the former Indian captain is struggling to handle the fourth stump line. 

It is not a new story that Kohli is coming to bat and new records are creating. For the Brisbane Test, Kohli is very close to six following Test records. 

100 international matches against Australia

• The Gabba Test will be Kohli’s 100th international match against Australia. With this upcoming Test match, the Indian cricketer will become only the second player in international cricket history to play 100 or more international matches against Australia. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most international matches against Australia with 110 international matches. 

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Most Test runs by an Indian against Australia

• Kohli is currently in fourth place in the list of most Test runs by an Indian against Australia with 2165 Test runs. With two more runs, the right-handed batter will surpass the legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid’s record of 2166 Test runs and become the third-leading Test run-scorer by an Indian against Australia. Although Dravid scored 2143 Test runs against Australia for India, he scored the remaining 23 runs for the ICC World XI in 2005. 

Most international runs against Australia in Australia

• Kohli is just eight runs away from becoming the second-most run-scorer in international cricket against Australia in Australia. While the Indian right-handed batter has scored 2728 international runs in Australia, former Caribbean star Desmond Haynes is currently in second place in the list with 2736 international runs against the hosts Australia. Legendary Caribbean cricketer Sir Viv Richards is leading the table with 3665 international runs against the hosts Australia. 

1500 Test runs in Australia

• After the legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 1809 Test runs in Australia, Kohli (1475 Test runs) will become the second Indian to score 1500 Test runs in Australia by adding 25 more Test runs. Meanwhile, Kohli will become the 10th visiting batter to score 1500 Test runs in Australia.  

Most Test centuries by a non-Australian in Australia

• With one more Test century in Australia, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli will become the second-most Test centuries record holder by a non-Australian batter in Australia. Kohli has hit seven Test hundreds in Australia, which is equal to the legendary English cricketer Wally Hammond’s feat. English legend Sir Jack Hobbs holds the record for most Test centuries by a non-Australian batter in Australia with nine hundreds. 
  

Scoring Test centuries in five iconic Australian cities

• Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and the legendary English opener Alastair Cook are the only two batters to record Test centuries in each of the five iconic cities in Australia. Gavaskar and Cook both scored Test centuries in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. While Kohli scored a century in the Perth Test of the ongoing Test series opener, he previously scored Test centuries in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. If he scores a Test century in the Brisbane Test, he will enter the rare list of scoring at least one century in five iconic Australian cities. 

Australia’s first-innings total of 104 in Perth is their second-lowest in home Tests against India, only behind their infamous 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981. This also marks their third-lowest home total since 1985 and their fourth-lowest overall against India. The collapse highlights the dominance of the Indian bowling attack on a surface known to favor batters historically.

India secure 46-run lead despite modest batting performance

India’s first-innings score of 150 gave them a significant 46-run lead, the fifth-highest lead in Test history by a team scoring 150 or less while batting first. The record remains England's 71-run lead against Australia in the 1888 Sydney Test after being bowled out for just 113. This marks only the third instance of India claiming a first-innings lead after scoring 150 or less, the other two being Hamilton (2002) and Lord’s (1936).

Australia’s top order falter with lowest contribution in decades

Australia’s top six batters managed just 37 runs in the first innings—their lowest contribution in a home Test since scoring 22 runs against West Indies in Brisbane in 1978. The combined efforts of both teams’ top five batters in the first innings aggregated only 97 runs, the lowest in a Test since the 67 runs by India and West Indies in the 1987 Delhi Test.

Partnerships struggle to survive in low-scoring match

Only two partnerships in the first two innings of the match survived ten or more overs, underlining the challenging conditions. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy added a crucial 48 runs for India’s seventh wicket, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood fought hard for a 26-run stand for Australia’s tenth wicket. A staggering 18 partnerships fell for less than 20 runs, equaling the record for a men’s Test match.

Bumrah shines as captain with record-breaking 5-wicket haul

Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 30 in Perth was a historic spell, making him the first Indian captain since Anil Kumble in 2007 to claim a five-wicket haul in Tests. This was Bumrah’s ninth five-for outside Asia, tying him with Kapil Dev for the most by an Indian in such conditions. Notably, this was Bumrah’s second five-wicket haul in Australia, with the others spread across England, South Africa, and West Indies.

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Lowest aggregate first-innings total in over 40 years

The combined first-innings total of 254 runs by both teams—India’s 150 and Australia’s 104—is the lowest in a Test match in Australia since the 1981 WACA Test between Australia and Pakistan, which saw a combined score of 242 runs.