The countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has officially begun, and the excitement is reaching new heights. With the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, cricket fans are eager to see how the teams stack up.
Adding fuel to the pre-tournament debates, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped his power rankings for all eight competing teams. His verdict? India and New Zealand are the strongest contenders, while hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh find themselves at the bottom.
Let’s break down the rankings and see where each team stands ahead of the much-anticipated tournament.
India & New Zealand: The Teams to Beat
Ashwin has given India and New Zealand 85 points each, making them his top-ranked teams. According to him, both squads have the right balance of experience and form to dominate Group A, which also features Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“I’ll give India 85. If Jasprit Bumrah was available, I’d have given them a 90. India is a completely different team with him in the mix,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
However, he also highlighted a potential challenge—India will play all their matches in Dubai, where tosses could play a big role. If they are forced to bat first in all three games under difficult conditions, their ranking could take a hit.
New Zealand’s Red-Hot Form
New Zealand comes into the tournament with serious momentum, having won the Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and South Africa.
- Kane Williamson’s Match-Winning Century vs. South Africa
- Glenn Phillips’ Explosive 106 Off 74 Balls vs. Pakistan
- Daryl Mitchell’s Consistency with two half-centuries
The Kiwis have shown their ability to perform under pressure, making them a real threat in this year’s Champions Trophy.
India’s Dominance in White-Ball Cricket
As the reigning T20 World Champions, India has been on a winning spree in white-ball cricket.
- 3-0 ODI Series Win Against England
- Shubman Gill’s 259 Runs at an Average of 86.33
- Rohit Sharma’s Stunning Century in the Second ODI
- Jadeja’s Bowling Masterclass – Six wickets at an economy of 3.21
With a squad full of match-winners, India will be the team to watch—but their performance in Dubai could be the deciding factor.
Pakistan & Bangladesh: Home Advantage Means Nothing?
Despite hosting the tournament, Pakistan finds itself ranked at just 55 points, while Bangladesh sits at the bottom with 40 points.
Pakistan’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and while players like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha have shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s overall form remains a concern.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s struggles in international cricket continue, leading Ashwin to place them dead last in his rankings.
“Pakistan has home advantage, but recent form matters. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will have to pull off something extraordinary to make an impact.”
Group B: England & Australia Eye Semi-Final Spots
Ashwin predicts that England (81 points) and Australia (78 points) will secure the top two spots in Group B.
England’s Firepower Under Jos Buttler
Despite losing their recent ODI series against India, England still boasts one of the most dangerous white-ball squads in the world. Their explosive batting lineup, led by Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, makes them a serious contender.
Australia’s Strength & Experience
Australia’s squad might not be as dominant as before, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. With players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins, they have the experience and firepower to go deep in the tournament.
Afghanistan & South Africa: Dark Horses?
While Afghanistan (70 points) and South Africa (68 points) aren’t among the top contenders, both teams have match-winners who can cause upsets.
- Afghanistan – Known for their world-class spinners like Rashid Khan, they could be a nightmare for teams on slow tracks.
- South Africa – While they failed to reach the Tri-Nation final, they still have firepower in both batting and bowling.
Final Verdict: Who Will Dominate the Champions Trophy?
Ashwin’s rankings offer an intriguing preview of the tournament:
| Ranking | Team | Points (Out of 100) |
| 🇮🇳 India | 85 | |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 85 | |
| 🏴☠️ England | 81 | |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 78 | |
| 🇦🇫 Afghanistan | 70 | |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 68 | |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 55 | |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 40 |
With India and New Zealand leading the charge, Pakistan struggling despite home advantage, and England & Australia looking strong, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying tournament.
Will Ashwin’s rankings hold true? Or will an underdog rise to the occasion?
Stay tuned for more Champions Trophy 2025 updates, expert analysis, and match previews!
