With Pakistan’s spin-friendly conditions, these five spinners could play a decisive role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Spin bowling is anticipated to be a key factor in the tournament. As Pakistan’s pitches have historically favored slow bowlers. Dry, abrasive surfaces in venues such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi provide spinners with excellent grip, turn, and variable bounce. So here are the Top 5 Spinners to Watch Out for at ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Teams possessing quality spinners may gain an edge, particularly during the middle overs. This makes Pakistan’s decision to include just one senior spinner in their squad even more perplexing.
Top 5 Spinners To Watch Out
Here are five spinners who could prove to be game-changers 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 top match-winner with the ball. His quick-arm action and deceptive googlies make him a threat to any batter. Having vast experience in the PSL and other franchise leagues, Rashid understands how to exploit Pakistan’s conditions, making him an invaluable asset in Afghanistan’s 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: As New Zealand’s captain, Santner brings control, consistency, and tactical awareness to the team’s spin department. His ability to vary pace and extract turn while maintaining an economical line makes him especially valuable in the middle overs.
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 provides India with an attacking option in the middle overs. Unlike traditional finger spinners, he relies on turn and flight to deceive batters and He is on the list of Top 5 Spinners to Watch Out.
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: Adam Zampa is Australia’s lead spinner in white-ball cricket and has been one of the premier bowlers worldwide. His quick-arm action and well-disguised googly make him effective against both right- and left-handed batters. His experience in the subcontinent and ability to perform under pressure will make him a key asset for Australia.
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: One of the most in-form spinners heading into the tournament, Adil Rashid has been England’s primary spinner in white-ball cricket for years. His sharp turn, coupled with his control in high-pressure moments, makes him an essential weapon for England.
With Pakistan’s conditions offering favorable conditions for spinners, these five bowlers are set to be crucial in shaping the outcome of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
