Champions Trophy: The All Time Greatest Playing Eleven

The 7 seasons of the Champions Trophy so far has seen some stellar performances over the years and has seen the real ‘Champion’ players stealing the show. In this modern time when the former cricketers are picking their all time eleven , in this article we bring you the best Champions Trophy eleven. Phew ! Believe me, I had to rack my brain to pick one from the two equitables.

The Openers:

Picking the Indian great, Sourav Ganguly as the opener was as simple as adding two single digit numbers because “The Prince Of Calcutta” ruled the stats and paved a clear way for the place in the all time Eleven. ‘Dada’ who made 13 appearances in the premiere tournament has a sparkling record of 665 runs at a surreal average of 73.88 . With 3 centuries on his name, he is at the top of the tally of most centuries, accompanied by Chris Gayle and Herschelle Gibbs.

It was tough to choose between Chris Gayle and Herschelle Gibbs as Dada’s opening partner but the South African will make his way to the elite list of Champions Trophy 11 only to have a left-right opening combination. The Protean has smashed 460 runs in 10 matches at an average of 51.11 with 3 centuries on his name.

One might have wanted Shikhar Dhawan(363 runs in 5 matches) as an opener but his consistency is vacillating.

No. 3, 4 and 5:

It will be one more Protean who will make to the all-time 11 and is the finest all-rounder the world cricket has ever seen. Jacques Kallis, who has score 653 runs in 17 matches at an average of 47 in CT will bat at number 3.

Following him, will be one of the most successful skippers of all time, Ricky Ponting. ‘Punter’ who averages roughly 40 (obviously below his standards) will bat at number 4 and also lead the side. His remarkable figures of 12 victories in 16 matches as a skipper is among the best win percentages among all the skippers in Champions Trophy. Ponting also led Australia to a championship for two consecutive editions.

In at number 5 will be yet another successful skipper, MS Dhoni. MS will take on the duties behind the wickets. MS has played just 8 matches and does not have much runs to flaunt but his keeping skills and abilities as a finisher make him congenial.

No 6 ,7 and 8:

The Aussie batsman, Damien Martyn, who has had a fabulous time in the Champions Trophy will mark his presence at number 6. Martyn, who averages above 60, has scored 492 runs in his 11 innings. His presence at number 6 will make bolster the batting line-up.

In this modern era where everyone loves to have all-rounders at this tricky positions, two such all-rounders will fill the next two spots. The Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson will have to bat at such a low position but that is what the situation is. The top 6 spots are irreplaceable and he will have to bat at number 7.

At number 8, we have the Kiwi veteran Daniel Vettori, an important member of the list due to his spin abilities. 18 wickets in 17 matches might not be that impressive but his economy of 3.65 will be an aspect that has fetched him a place.

No 9,10 and 11.

Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson and Daniel Vettori are supposed to deliver the 20 overs so that the 3 full time bowlers can bowl their full quota of 10 overs each. The Sri Lankan mystery spinner Muttiah Murlidharan has been the most successful spinner in the Champions trophy history. Murli has picked 24 wickets in 15 innings at an economy of 3.6 run an over. The next two to make in the list has a small surprise entry. With 28 scalps on his name, Kyle Mills leads the tally of wickets. The numbers don’t lie and these numbers compel one to have Mills in the pace unit. Joining him will be the Aussie legend Glenn McGrath who has picked 21 wickets in 12 matches with best bowling figures of 5/37. McGrath has undoubtedly been the most lethal right arm pacer over a past few decades.

All Time Great CT 11:

1. Sourav Ganguly
2. Herschelle Gibbs
3. Jacques Kallis
4. Ricky Ponting (c)
5. M.S.Dhoni (wk)
6. Damien Martyn
7. Shane Watson
8. Daniel Vettori
9. Muttiah Murlidharan
10. Kyle Mills
11. Glenn McGrath

(12th man: Chris Gayle)