The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, bringing excitement and anticipation among cricket fans worldwide. As one of the most prestigious global tournaments, the Champions Trophy has witnessed legendary cricketers delivering memorable performances over the years. The upcoming edition is expected to be no different, with teams eager to claim the coveted title.
Among the key factors that define success in the tournament is batting dominance, with several players etching their names in the record books through consistent performances. Some batters not only entertained the fans with their stroke play but also played vital roles in their team’s success.
Batting greats who dominated the Champions Trophy
Over the years, several high-skilled batters have displayed remarkable consistency in the tournament. Some of them became match-winners with their ability to perform under pressure, securing their spots among the highest run-getters in the history of the Champions Trophy. Let’s take a detailed look at the top run-scorers in the tournament’s history.
Top 5 highest run-scorers in Champions Trophy history
5) Sourav Ganguly (India) – 1998-2004
- Matches: 13
- Runs: 665
- Average: 73.88
- 100s/50s: 3/3
- Highest Score: 141*
Ganguly, one of India’s most iconic captains, was an absolute force in the Champions Trophy. His ability to anchor the innings while also playing attacking strokes made him a vital asset for India.
In the 2000 edition, Ganguly played a crucial role, finishing as the highest run-scorer of the tournament. He smashed 141 not out against South Africa in the semi-final, helping India book a place in the final. Ganguly’s innings was a masterclass in batting under pressure, and he followed it up with another century in the final against New Zealand, although India fell short of the title.
With three centuries, Ganguly remains one of the most prolific batters in Champions Trophy history. His leadership and elegant stroke play made him a key player for India in the tournament.
4) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 2000-2013
- Matches: 22
- Runs: 683
- Average: 37.94
- 100s/50s: 1/4
- Highest Score: 134*
Sangakkara, one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters of all time, was a pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the Champions Trophy. Known for his classy stroke play and ability to adapt to different conditions, Sangakkara played several crucial knocks for Sri Lanka.
One of his most memorable innings came in the 2013 edition against England, where he scored 134 off 135 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a successful chase. His ability to stabilize innings and accelerate when required made him a key player in the middle order.
3) Shikhar Dhawan (India) – 2013-2017
- Matches: 10
- Runs: 701
- Average: 77.88
- 100s/50s: 3/3
- Highest Score: 125
Dhawan is one of the most dominant players in Champions Trophy history despite playing only two editions (2013 and 2017). His aggressive opening batting gave India the perfect starts in both campaigns.
Dhawan was the leading run-scorer in both editions he played. In the 2013 tournament, he scored 363 runs in 5 matches, including centuries against South Africa and West Indies. His efforts helped India lift the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
In 2017, Dhawan was again unstoppable, amassing 338 runs and forming a lethal opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. He played a key role in India’s run to the final, finishing the tournament with a brilliant 125 against Sri Lanka in the group stage. His fearless stroke-play and ability to dominate bowlers made him one of the best players in Champions Trophy history.
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2) Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 2000-2013
- Matches: 22
- Runs: 742
- Average: 41.22
- 100s/50s: 0/5
- Highest Score: 84*
Another Sri Lankan legend, Jayawardene, was one of the most technically sound batters to grace the game. Unlike some others on this list, he did not score a century in the Champions Trophy but was known for his consistency and ability to anchor innings.
Jayawardene’s best performances often came in crucial games. He scored his best score of unbeaten 84 against Australia in the 2013 edition. His ability to construct an innings and rotate the strike made him an essential player in the middle order.
His 742 runs in the Champions Trophy make him Sri Lanka’s all-time highest run-getter in the tournament.
1) Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 2002-2013
- Matches: 17
- Runs: 791
- Average: 52.73
- 100s/50s: 3/1
- Highest Score: 133*
Gayle, one of the most destructive batters in cricket history, tops the charts as the highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. Known for his explosive batting, Gayle dominated bowlers with his fearless approach.
Gayle played a pivotal role in West Indies’ Champions Trophy triumph in 2004, scoring vital runs throughout the tournament. His unbeaten 133 against South Africa in the 2006 edition remains one of the most memorable innings in Champions Trophy history, showcasing his power-hitting ability.
With three centuries, Gayle holds the joint record for the most tons in the tournament. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a match made him a nightmare for bowlers.
Virat Kohli leads among active players
Among currently active players, Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in Champions Trophy history. The Indian batting maestro has scored 529 runs in 13 matches, with five half-centuries to his name.
Kohli played a crucial role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, scoring 43 in the final against England. His ability to perform in high-pressure games has made him one of the most dependable batters in ICC tournaments.
With the 2025 edition approaching, Kohli will have the opportunity to climb further up the rankings and cement his legacy in the Champions Trophy.
