Spin bowling is expected to play a major role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Pakistan’s pitches historically favouring slow bowlers.
Dry conditions and abrasive surfaces in venues like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi assist spinners with grip, turn, and variable bounce.
Teams with quality spinners could gain an edge, especially in the middle overs. This makes Pakistan's decision to include just 1 senior spinner in the squad even more baffling.
Here are 5 spinners who could make a major impact for their teams in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Spin Type: Right-arm leg-spin (with a lethal googly)
Best Bowling: 7/18 vs. West Indies (2017)
ODI Wickets: 198 in 111 matches @ 19.50
Recent Form in ODIs:
- 3/38 vs. Zimbabwe (21 Dec 2024)
- 1/40 vs. Bangladesh (11 Nov 2024)
- 2/32 vs. Bangladesh (9 Nov 2024)
Why He’s Key: Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s premier match-winner with the ball, using his rapid-arm action and deceptive googlies to trouble batters.
He is particularly effective on worn-out pitches where his variations become even harder to pick.
With extensive experience in the PSL and other franchise leagues, Rashid knows how to exploit Pakistani conditions, making him a crucial asset in Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
2. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
Spin Type: Left-arm orthodox
Best Bowling: 5/50 vs. Australia (2016)
ODI Wickets: 117 in 113 matches @ 36.45
Recent Form in ODIs:
- 2/20 vs. Pakistan (14 Feb 2025)
- 0/62 vs. South Africa (10 Feb 2025)
- 3/41 vs. Pakistan (8 Feb 2025)
Why He’s Key: New Zealand's skipper Santner brings control, consistency, and tactical awareness to New Zealand’s spin department.
His ability to vary pace and extract turn while maintaining an economical line makes him valuable, particularly in the middle overs.
His strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was New Zealand’s most effective spinner, underscores his ability to perform in major ICC events.
3. Kuldeep Yadav (India)
Spin Type: Left-arm wrist-spin (Chinaman)
Best Bowling: 6/25 vs. England (2018)
ODI Wickets: 174 in 108 matches @ 26.22
Recent Form in ODIs:
- 1/38 vs. England (12 Feb 2025)
- 1/53 vs. England (6 Feb 2025)
- 1/36 vs. Sri Lanka (7 Aug 2024)
Why He’s Key: Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin gives India an attacking edge in the middle overs. Unlike conventional finger spinners, he relies on turn and flight to deceive batters.
His ability to take wickets regularly makes him an essential part of India’s bowling strategy, especially against teams that struggle against wrist spin.
With strong performances in major tournaments over the last two years, Kuldeep will be crucial to India’s campaign.
4. Adam Zampa (Australia)
Spin Type: Right-arm leg-spin
Best Bowling: 4/38 vs. New Zealand (2020)
ODI Wickets: 181 in 108 matches @ 28.56
Recent Form in ODIs:
- 1/47 vs. Sri Lanka (14 Feb 2025)
- 0/32 vs. Sri Lanka (12 Feb 2025)
- 0/10 vs. Pakistan (10 Nov 2024)
Why He’s Key: One of the premier bowlers in the world, Zampa has become Australia’s leading spinner in white-ball cricket.
His quick arm action and well-disguised googly make him effective against both right- and left-handed batters.
He played a key role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, consistently picking up wickets in the middle overs.
Given his experience in the subcontinent and ability to perform under pressure, he will be a vital asset for Australia in Pakistan.
5. Adil Rashid (England)
Spin Type: Right-arm leg-spin
Best Bowling: 5/27 vs. West Indies (2019)
ODI Wickets: 199 in 138 matches @ 32.13
Recent Form in ODIs:
- 4/64 vs. India (12 Feb 2025)
- 1/78 vs. India (9 Feb 2025)
- 2/49 vs. India (6 Feb 2025)
Why He’s Key: Perhaps the most in-form spinner going into the tournament, Adil Rashid has been England’s frontline spinner in white-ball cricket for years.
His ability to extract sharp turn, coupled with his control in high-pressure situations, makes him a key weapon for England.
Rashid’s experience in subcontinental conditions and his success in past ICC tournaments make him an important figure in England’s bowling attack for the Champions Trophy.
With Pakistan’s conditions favouring spin, these five bowlers are set to be game-changers in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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