The ICC Champions Trophy is a spectacle that brings together the best cricketing nations in a battle for supremacy. The 2017 edition, held in England, was particularly memorable, not just for the cricket on show but for the dramatic final where Pakistan triumphed over India. Despite the loss in the final, Indian cricketers dominated the batting charts, showcasing their dominance and setting a high benchmark for run-scoring in the tournament. Here, we look back at the top five highest run scorers of the 2017 Champions Trophy, a tournament where India’s batsmen played a pivotal role.
Here, we look back at the top five highest run scorers of the 2017 Champions Trophy:
Shikhar Dhawan –
Leading the charge for India and the tournament was Shikhar Dhawan. With a total of 338 runs in five matches at an average of 67.60, Dhawan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His highest score was a brilliant 125 against Sri Lanka, marking his only century in the tournament but supplemented by two half-centuries. Dhawan’s strike rate of 101.80 was indicative of his aggressive yet calculated approach to batting, especially in the powerplay overs. His consistency was a significant factor in India’s journey to the final, where unfortunately, his contribution was limited to 21 runs off 22 balls.
Rohit Sharma –
Rohit Sharma, with 304 runs in five innings, including an unbeaten 123 against Bangladesh, was the second-highest run scorer. His average of 76.00 and a strike rate of 86.85 highlighted his ability to blend elegance with efficiency. Sharma’s innings were often the bedrock of India’s batting, providing stability and momentum, particularly in the middle overs. His dismissal for 0 against Pakistan in the final was a blow to India’s hopes, but his tournament tally spoke volumes of his class and form.
Tamim Iqbal –
Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal was the third highest scorer with 293 runs in four matches. His consistent performances included a century against England, scoring 128, and two fifties. Iqbal’s average of 73.25 and a strike rate of 86.17 were testament to his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. Despite Bangladesh’s semi-final exit, Iqbal’s batting was one of the highlights of their campaign, showcasing his growth as one of Bangladesh’s premier batsmen.
Joe Root –
England’s Joe Root finished fourth with 258 runs at an impressive average of 86.00. His highest score was an unbeaten 133 against Bangladesh, reflecting his knack for playing long, influential innings. With a strike rate of 97.72, Root played a crucial role in England’s batting lineup, especially with his ability to adapt to different match situations. England’s campaign ended in the semi-finals against Pakistan, but Root’s consistency was a silver lining in what was otherwise a disappointing tournament for the hosts.
Virat Kohli –
Rounding out the top five was India’s captain, Virat Kohli, with 258 runs from five innings, though his average of 129.00 was inflated due to three not-outs. Kohli’s highest score was an unbeaten 96 against Bangladesh, and his strike rate of 98.85 showed his intent to keep the scoreboard moving. Kohli’s leadership and batting were pivotal in taking India to the final, although his score in the final was a subdued 5.
India’s Loss in the Final
Despite the stellar performances by these five batsmen, India’s dream run was halted by Pakistan in the final. India, after being put in to bat, managed only 158 runs, with Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Amir’s devastating spell, proving too much for the Indian batting lineup. Pakistan chased down the target with ease, winning by 180 runs, thus claiming the trophy amidst an electrifying atmosphere at The Oval.
Looking Ahead
As controversies swirl around the next edition of the Champions Trophy, particularly regarding the participation of India and Pakistan, the 2017 tournament’s legacy, especially in terms of batting performances, remains a high standard for future players. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in Indian cricket, with Dhawan, Sharma, and Kohli not only entertaining fans but also setting the stage for what could be expected in future ICC events. The anticipation for the next Champions Trophy is not just about the cricket but also about how these nations navigate the political and diplomatic challenges to bring the best of cricket to the fans.
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy will be remembered for its high-quality cricket, particularly the batting masterclasses by these five players. As we await the next chapter of this prestigious tournament, the memories of these performances continue to inspire and set expectations for the future of cricket.
