Last Chance Saloon: 10 veterans who could bid farewell at Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looms as a potential swansong for some of the most iconic players in modern ODI cricket.For veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others, this tournament could be their last opportunity to etch their names into cricketing history by delivering more silverware for their nations.For others, like Mushfiqur Rahim, the tournament represents a final chance to win an ODI international trophy for their countries.With retirements looming and younger talents emerging, the stakes have never been higher for these legends.Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s stalwart wicketkeeper-batter, has been a pillar of consistency for over a decade.Rahim has recently shown flashes of his vintage self, averaging 42.50 in ODIs, including a match-winning 73* against Sri Lanka in 2024’s tour.Having announced his retirement from T20s a little over 2 years ago, fans are wondering when Rahim could announce his retirement from the ODI format as well.Rahim’s heroics include his unforgettable 144 against Australia in the 2019 World Cup, a knock that cemented his status as one of Bangladesh’s greatest.With the Champions Trophy likely to be his farewell, Rahim will aim to inspire his team to a historic triumph.Why This Could Be His Last Chance: At 37, Rahim’s reflexes behind the stumps and his ability to anchor the innings are under scrutiny.Bangladesh’s cricketing structure is increasingly focusing on youth, and Rahim knows this could be his final opportunity to lead his nation to a maiden ICC trophy.His experience and calmness under pressure remain invaluable, but time is no longer on his side.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (India)Indian captain Rohit Sharma and batting maestro Virat Kohli have been the cornerstones of India’s ODI dominance.Sharma, known for his explosive batting, has averaged 51.20 since August 2024, including a blistering 119 against England in the last series before the Champions Trophy.Kohli, meanwhile, has continued his relentless pursuit of excellence, scoring four centuries in the same period.He brought up his 73rd 50 for India in ODIs in the recent series win against England.Having secured the T20 World Cup last year, both Sharma and Kohli would be looking forward to adding the ICC Champions Trophy to their legacies, having been crowned champions in the 2013 edition.Why This Could Be Their Last Chance: Both Sharma (38) and Kohli (36) are in the twilight of their careers.While their form remains impeccable, the emergence of younger talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal signals a transition phase for Indian cricket.The duo has endured heartbreaks in multiple ICC tournaments, including the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2023 World Cup final.As limited-over domestic cricket becomes ever so popular in India, in the form of IPL, this Champions Trophy could be the final time we see both Sharma and Kohli sharing the pitch for India in ODI tournaments.Kane Williamson (New Zealand)Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s calm and composed leader, has been a model of consistency.Despite battling injuries, Williamson has averaged 47.80 in ODIs since August 2024, including a masterful 133 against South Africa in the tri-nation series.At 34, Williamson’s form has never been better.His match-winning 106* in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against India remains one of his finest innings.With his tactical acumen and batting prowess, Williamson will be crucial to New Zealand’s hopes.Why This Could Be His Last Chance: Williamson’s fitness has been a concern, and his recent injuries have raised questions about his longevity.New Zealand’s golden generation, which reached back-to-back World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, is slowly fading.Williamson, who has often carried the team on his shoulders, knows this could be his final opportunity to lead his nation to a first ODI ICC title since 2000.Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s explosive opener, recently came back into Pakistan’s ODI 11 in the tri-series preceding the Champions Trophy.His 193 against South Africa in 2021 was a reminder of his match-winning abilities.Zaman is no stranger to the ICC Champions Trophy. His 114 in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India is widely regarded as one of the most iconic innings in Pakistan’s cricketing history.His fearless approach and match-winning knock helped Pakistan claim their first-ever Champions Trophy title.