The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looms as a potential swansong for some of the most iconic players in modern ODI cricket.
For veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others, this tournament could be their last opportunity to etch their names into cricketing history by delivering more silverware for their nations.
For others, like Mushfiqur Rahim, the tournament represents a final chance to win an ODI international trophy for their countries.
With retirements looming and younger talents emerging, the stakes have never been higher for these legends.
Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s stalwart wicketkeeper-batter, has been a pillar of consistency for over a decade.
Rahim has recently shown flashes of his vintage self, averaging 42.50 in ODIs, including a match-winning 73* against Sri Lanka in 2024's tour.
Having announced his retirement from T20s a little over 2 years ago, fans are wondering when Rahim could announce his retirement from the ODI format as well.
Rahim’s heroics include his unforgettable 144 against Australia in the 2019 World Cup, a knock that cemented his status as one of Bangladesh’s greatest.
With the Champions Trophy likely to be his farewell, Rahim will aim to inspire his team to a historic triumph.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 37, Rahim’s reflexes behind the stumps and his ability to anchor the innings are under scrutiny.
Bangladesh’s cricketing structure is increasingly focusing on youth, and Rahim knows this could be his final opportunity to lead his nation to a maiden ICC trophy.
His experience and calmness under pressure remain invaluable, but time is no longer on his side.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (India)
Indian captain Rohit Sharma and batting maestro Virat Kohli have been the cornerstones of India’s ODI dominance.
Sharma, known for his explosive batting, has averaged 51.20 since August 2024, including a blistering 119 against England in the last series before the Champions Trophy.
Kohli, meanwhile, has continued his relentless pursuit of excellence, scoring four centuries in the same period.
He brought up his 73rd 50 for India in ODIs in the recent series win against England.
Having secured the T20 World Cup last year, both Sharma and Kohli would be looking forward to adding the ICC Champions Trophy to their legacies, having been crowned champions in the 2013 edition.
Why This Could Be Their Last Chance: Both Sharma (38) and Kohli (36) are in the twilight of their careers.
While their form remains impeccable, the emergence of younger talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal signals a transition phase for Indian cricket.
The duo has endured heartbreaks in multiple ICC tournaments, including the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2023 World Cup final.
As limited-over domestic cricket becomes ever so popular in India, in the form of IPL, this Champions Trophy could be the final time we see both Sharma and Kohli sharing the pitch for India in ODI tournaments.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s calm and composed leader, has been a model of consistency.
Despite battling injuries, Williamson has averaged 47.80 in ODIs since August 2024, including a masterful 133 against South Africa in the tri-nation series.
At 34, Williamson's form has never been better.
Williamson is one of the few players in ICC World Cup history to be named Player of the Tournament, having received the honour for 2019's edition.
With his tactical acumen and batting prowess, Williamson will be crucial to New Zealand’s hopes.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: Williamson’s fitness has been a concern, and his recent injuries have raised questions about his longevity.
New Zealand’s golden generation, which reached back-to-back World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, is slowly fading.
Williamson, who has often carried the team on his shoulders, knows this could be his final opportunity to lead his nation to a first ODI ICC title since 2000.
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s explosive opener, recently came back into Pakistan's ODI 11 in the tri-series preceeding Champions Trophy.
His 193 against South Africa in 2021 was a reminder of his match-winning abilities.
Zaman is no stranger to the ICC Champions Trophy. His 114 in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India is widely regarded as one of the most iconic innings in Pakistan's cricketing history.
His fearless approach and match-winning knock helped Pakistan claim their first-ever Champions Trophy title.
As the cornerstone of Pakistan's batting lineup, Zaman's aggressive style will be crucial to their success in future campaigns.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 35, Zaman’s fitness and consistency have been questioned, especially with younger openers like Abdullah Shafique waiting in the wings.
Pakistan’s reliance on Zaman’s explosive starts has been immense, but his recent form suggests he may not have many ODI tournaments left.
This could be his final chance to replicate his 2017 heroics and deliver another title for Pakistan.
Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
The only player in the list confirmed to retire from ODI cricket after the Champions Trophy, Mohammad Nabi has been Afghanistan’s premier all-rounder for the last decade.
Since August 2024, Nabi has averaged 35.60 with the bat and taken 18 wickets with his off-spin.
His heroics were on display during the November series with Bangladesh.
Nabi’s 4-30 against Sri Lanka in the 2019 World Cup showcased his ability to perform on the big stage. His experience will be vital for Afghanistan’s chances.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 40, Nabi is the elder statesman of Afghan cricket.
While his contributions remain vital, the team is increasingly looking to younger stars like Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Nabi’s leadership and all-round skills have been instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise, but this tournament could mark the end of an era for one of their greatest players.
Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have been instrumental in Australia’s recent ODI success.
Both players were instrumental in Australia's World Cup 2023 victory, which was the latest ICC ODI tournament.
Smith, with his unorthodox technique, has averaged 49.80 since August 2024, while Maxwell has been his usual explosive self, scoring at a strike rate of 145.60.
Maxwell’s unforgettable 201* against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, where he single-handedly won the game despite severe cramps, remains one of the greatest ODI innings.
As Australia's captain in Pat Cummins absence, Smith will be under much scrutiny and pressure.
However, his semi-final hundred against India back in World Cup 2015 shows his ability to perform under the spotlight.
Why This Could Be Their Last Chance: Smith (36) and Maxwell (36) are nearing the end of their careers, with Australia’s focus shifting towards younger players like Cameron Green and Travis Head.
Both have been pivotal in Australia’s recent successes, including the 2023 World Cup triumph, but this tournament could be their final opportunity to add another trophy to their illustrious careers.
Adil Rashid (England)
Adil Rashid, England’s leg-spin wizard, has been a key figure in their white-ball revolution.
Rashid enters the tournament in fine form, having taken 4/60 against India in the final game leading upto the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He took his 400th international wicket for England during the series.
Rashid’s 3-54 in the World Cup 2019 semi-final against Australia was crucial in England’s historic win.
His ability to take wickets in the middle overs will be vital for England’s defence of their title.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 37, Rashid’s role in the team is under scrutiny, with younger spinners like Rehan Ahmed emerging.
Rashid has been a linchpin of England’s white-ball success, but this tournament could mark his final appearance in an ICC ODI event.
David Miller (South Africa)
David Miller, South Africa’s finisher, endured a difficult 2024 in ODI cricket.
His last great innings in ODI came against Australia in semi-final of World Cup 2023, where he scored 101 in a heartbreaking defeat.
However, his recent struggles, including missing out on the tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand, has led many to question his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 35, Miller’s role as South Africa’s finisher is being challenged by younger players like Tristan Stubbs.
Known for his ability to deliver under pressure, Miller has often been South Africa’s savior in crunch situations.
However, with retirement on the horizon, this tournament could be his final opportunity to end South Africa’s long wait for a 1st ICC trophy since 1998.
The Final Bow
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, these seasoned veterans are not only representing their countries but are also playing for their legacies.
With their careers approaching twilight, this tournament offers them one final opportunity to claim the ultimate glory.
For fans, it could mark possibly the last chance to witness their greatness in ODI cricket.
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