In the world of cricket, the term “Fab Four” refers to four exceptional batsmen who have dominated the sport across all formats in recent years: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. These players have consistently delivered outstanding performances, setting records and raising the bar for batting excellence. However, even the greatest players have certain milestones that elude them, and in the context of the Champions Trophy, two of the Fab Four stand out for a surprising reason – they are yet to score a century in this prestigious tournament.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, has an enviable record in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His performances in the Champions Trophy have been nothing short of spectacular, yet a century in this tournament remains an elusive achievement for the Indian maestro.
Kohli’s Champions Trophy statistics are a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. In 12 innings, he has amassed 529 runs at a staggering average of 88.16.
This average is particularly impressive in a tournament that features the world’s best teams and bowlers, highlighting Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches.
What makes Kohli’s record in the Champions Trophy even more remarkable is his highest score of 96 not out, achieved against Bangladesh in the semi-final of the 2017 edition.
This innings, falling just short of the coveted three-figure mark, encapsulates Kohli’s Champions Trophy journey – consistently excellent but just shy of that elusive century.
Kohli’s five half-centuries in the tournament further underscore his consistency. These fifties have come at crucial junctures, often steering India to victory or setting up competitive totals.
The fact that he has remained not out on six occasions out of 12 innings is a testament to his ability to bat through the innings and finish games – a quality that has earned him the moniker of ‘chase master’ in limited-overs cricket.
The absence of a century in Kohli’s Champions Trophy record is particularly intriguing given his propensity for scoring hundreds in ODIs. With 46 ODI centuries to his name, Kohli has shown time and again his ability to convert starts into big scores. This makes his Champions Trophy record something of an anomaly in an otherwise stellar career.
As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can finally break this drought. Given his track record of rising to challenges and his relentless pursuit of excellence, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kohli target this particular milestone with renewed vigor.
The lack of a Champions Trophy century, however, does little to diminish Kohli’s impact on the tournament. His consistent performances have been instrumental in India’s success in the competition, including their victory in the 2013 edition and their runner-up finish in 2017.
Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, his tactical acumen, and his leadership skills have made him a linchpin of the Indian team in this tournament.
Looking ahead to the 2025 edition, Kohli will likely be even more motivated to add a Champions Trophy century to his illustrious list of achievements. With his experience, skill, and determination, coupled with his impressive record in the tournament, the stage seems set for Kohli to finally breach this barrier and further cement his legacy in the annals of cricket history.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith, the Australian batting phenomenon, presents an interesting case in the context of the Champions Trophy. Unlike Kohli, Smith’s experience in this tournament is limited, having played in only one edition.
However, his performances in that single appearance, coupled with his overall ODI record, make him a player to watch out for in future editions of the Champions Trophy.
Smith’s Champions Trophy record, while brief, is impressive. In the three games he played in the tournament, Smith scored 86 runs at an remarkable average of 86.
This statistic is particularly noteworthy given the small sample size and the high-pressure nature of the tournament. Smith’s ability to maintain such a high average in a limited number of games speaks volumes about his adaptability and mental fortitude.
One of the standout aspects of Smith’s Champions Trophy performance is his single half-century in the tournament. This fifty, coming in a crucial match, demonstrated Smith’s ability to step up when his team needed him most.
The fact that he remained unbeaten on two occasions further highlights his capability to see the innings through and finish games – a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
While Smith’s Champions Trophy experience may be limited, his overall ODI record is formidable. With 12 centuries in the format, Smith has proven his ability to score big runs consistently.
His performances on the big stage, particularly in World Cups and other ICC events, have been instrumental in Australia’s success in recent years.
Smith’s batting technique, often described as unconventional yet highly effective, makes him a unique challenge for bowlers. His ability to find gaps, manipulate the field, and score runs all around the wicket has made him one of the most versatile batsmen in modern cricket.
These qualities, combined with his experience and mental toughness, make him a prime candidate to score a century in future Champions Trophy tournaments.
As Smith looks ahead to the 2025 Champions Trophy, he will be eager to build on his brief but impressive record in the tournament. Now a senior player in the Australian setup, Smith’s role will be crucial not just in terms of run-scoring but also in providing leadership and stability to the batting lineup.
The absence of a Champions Trophy century in Smith’s record is likely more a result of limited opportunity than any shortcoming in his ability. With his track record of performing in high-pressure situations and his constant evolution as a batsman, it would not be surprising to see Smith target the Champions Trophy as a tournament to make a significant impact.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Champions Trophy
As cricket fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 Champions Trophy, the performances of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be among the most closely watched aspects of the tournament.
Both players, now in the latter stages of their careers, will be keen to add to their already impressive legacies.
For Kohli, the tournament presents an opportunity to address one of the few gaps in his otherwise impeccable ODI record. A century in the Champions Trophy would not only round out his personal achievements but could also be crucial for India’s chances in the competition.
Virat Kohli’s experience, coupled with his hunger for runs and big-match temperament, makes him a prime candidate to finally break his Champions Trophy century drought.
Steve Smithon the other hand, will be looking to build on his limited but impressive Champions Trophy record. With more games under his belt, Smith has the potential to significantly impact the tournament and potentially lead Australia to glory.
His ability to adapt to different conditions and his innovative approach to batting make him a dangerous proposition for any opposition.
The absence of a Champions Trophy century for these two batting giants adds an intriguing subplot to the 2025 edition. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest players have milestones yet to achieve, and that cricket, with its unpredictability and challenges, continues to test and inspire even the most accomplished athletes.
As the cricketing world looks forward to the next Champions Trophy, the potential for Kohli and Smith to finally score that elusive century adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Whether they achieve this milestone or not, their performances will undoubtedly be crucial to their teams’ fortunes and will continue to captivate cricket fans around the globe.
In conclusion, while Virat Kohli and Steve Smith may not have a Champions Trophy century to their names yet, their impact on the tournament and on cricket as a whole is undeniable.
Their quest for that elusive hundred in the 2025 edition will be just one of many compelling narratives in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the history of this prestigious tournament.
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