Top 5 Wicket-takers In ODI Cricket Post Champions Trophy 2017 Ft. Kuldeep Yadav

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return after an eight-year hiatus, rekindling the excitement of ODI cricket’s elite eight-team battle. With the tournament kicking off on February 19, fans worldwide are gearing up for a thrilling competition, as teams bring their best to fight for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

While ODIs have often been considered a batter’s game, the period since the 2017 Champions Trophy has been a golden era for bowlers. Fast bowlers and spinners alike have reshaped matches, proving that the art of wicket-taking remains just as crucial as run-scoring in modern cricket.

As we head into Champions Trophy 2025, let’s take a closer look at the five bowlers who have dominated ODI cricket in the post-2017 era, consistently delivering match-winning performances and redefining the art of bowling in the 50-over format.

Champions Trophy 2025: A Tournament Preview

The Champions Trophy 2025 will see eight teams battle for supremacy in Pakistan and the UAE, with matches set to be played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.

Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

The tournament opener will feature hosts Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Karachi, while the final is scheduled for March 9 in Dubai. With a mix of experienced squads and rising stars, the competition promises thrilling encounters in a highly competitive atmosphere.

Now, let’s shift our focus to the bowling stars who have ruled ODIs since the last Champions Trophy.

5) Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – The Master of Cutters

Matches: 85
Wickets: 128
Average: 27.97
Economy: 5.24
Strike Rate: 32.0
Best Figures: 5/59 vs. India, 2022

Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket has been fueled by a strong bowling unit, and at the heart of it is Mustafizur Rahman, fondly known as “The Fizz”. The left-arm seamer has carved a niche for himself with his lethal cutters, which deceive batters even on the flattest of pitches.

One of Mustafizur’s finest performances came in the 2022 Asia Cup final against India, where he picked up 5/59, choking the Indian batting lineup with his deadly variations. His ability to bowl under pressure in death overs has been a game-changer for Bangladesh, making him a match-winner in crucial fixtures.

With a strike rate of 32.0 and an economy of 5.24, Mustafizur’s effectiveness in the middle and death overs has been key to Bangladesh’s success. As Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, he remains one of the most dangerous pacers in the tournament.

4) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – The Spin Wizard

Matches: 82
Wickets: 135
Average: 22.26
Economy: 4.27
Strike Rate: 31.2
Best Figures: 5/19 vs. Sri Lanka, 2021

If there’s one bowler who has redefined spin bowling in white-ball cricket, it’s Rashid Khan. Afghanistan’s premier leg-spinner has been a statistical marvel, consistently picking up wickets while maintaining unbelievable control over runs.

His best ODI performance came against Sri Lanka in 2021, where he decimated the batting lineup with figures of 5/19, recording one of the most economical five-wicket hauls in ODI history. With a stunning economy rate of 4.27, Rashid has been Afghanistan’s biggest bowling asset, proving that even in an era of aggressive batting, bowlers can still dictate the game.

Despite Afghanistan playing fewer fixtures compared to other major teams, Rashid’s impact in global tournaments has been immense. As Afghanistan prepares for their Champions Trophy debut, Rashid’s presence could be the X-factor in their campaign.

3) Adil Rashid (England) – England’s Silent Assassin

Matches: 97
Wickets: 142
Average: 32.54
Economy: 5.65
Strike Rate: 34.5
Best Figures: 5/85 vs. India, 2024

A vital component in England’s white-ball revolution, Adil Rashid has been the team’s go-to bowler in the middle overs, providing key breakthroughs and delivering under pressure.

While his average (32.54) and economy (5.65) may seem modest, Rashid’s real value lies in his match-turning spells. A prime example came in a high-stakes encounter against India in 2024, where he picked up 5/85, proving his worth as a strike bowler when his team needed it the most.

His ability to trick batters with his variations, especially the googly, has been crucial to England’s white-ball dominance, including their 2019 World Cup victory. With the Champions Trophy back in play, Rashid’s experience and tactical mastery will be a game-changer for England.

2) Adam Zampa (Australia) – The Middle-Over Maestro

Matches: 84
Wickets: 145
Average: 28.37
Economy: 5.55
Strike Rate: 30.6
Best Figures: 5/35 vs. England, 2023

Australia’s post-2023 World Cup rebuild has relied heavily on their spin department, and Adam Zampa has emerged as their most consistent wicket-taking option in ODIs.

Zampa’s 5/35 against England in 2023 was a masterclass in control and deception, where he broke crucial partnerships and turned the game in Australia’s favor. His ability to attack batters in the middle overs while maintaining an economy rate of 5.55 makes him one of the best modern-day leg-spinners.

With a strike rate of 30.6, Zampa has outperformed many pacers in terms of regular breakthroughs. As Australia aims for another ICC trophy, his role in controlling the middle overs will be pivotal in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

1) Kuldeep Yadav (India) – India’s Wrist-Spin Sensation

Matches: 108
Wickets: 174
Average: 26.22
Economy: 5.00
Strike Rate: 31.4
Best Figures: 6/25 vs. South Africa, 2022

At the top of the list is India’s Kuldeep Yadav, the most successful bowler in ODIs since the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Kuldeep’s 6/25 against South Africa in 2022 was a display of sheer brilliance, where his mystical variations and pinpoint accuracy dismantled a strong Proteas batting lineup. His ability to bowl wicket-to-wicket, coupled with a deceptive googly, makes him a nightmare for batters.

What sets Kuldeep apart is his economy of 5.00, an impressive feat in an era dominated by high-scoring matches. His 174 wickets in 108 games underline his importance in India’s white-ball dominance.

As India heads into the 2025 Champions Trophy, Kuldeep will be their biggest asset in the middle overs, ensuring tight spells and crucial breakthroughs.

Since the 2017 Champions Trophy, ODI cricket has witnessed a golden era for bowlers, with spinners and pacers alike proving that wickets win matches. From Mustafizur’s crafty cutters to Kuldeep’s unplayable wrist spin, these five bowlers have left an indelible mark on the game.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to showcase high-octane clashes, these bowling superstars will once again look to stamp their authority on the world stage. Who will emerge as the ultimate bowling force? The battle begins on February 19!

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