The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket. It is a platform where the best teams from around the world come together to battle it out for the ultimate glory. Over the years, we have witnessed some incredible performances and memorable moments in this tournament. However, there are a few players who have stood out and etched their names in the history books by winning the ICC Champions Trophy on multiple occasions. Let’s take a look at these seven players who have achieved this remarkable feat.
1. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting is a name that needs no introduction in the world of cricket. The former Australian captain was a force to be reckoned with on the field and his record in the ICC Champions Trophy is a testament to that. Ponting led Australia to back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009, making him the only player to have won the tournament twice as a captain. He was also the leading run-scorer in the 2006 edition, scoring 288 runs in just 5 matches.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket. Under his leadership, India won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, making him the only captain to win all three major ICC trophies – the ICC World Cup, the ICC T20 World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy. Dhoni’s calm and composed demeanor on the field was instrumental in India’s success in the tournament.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Another Indian legend on this list is the master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar was a part of the Indian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013. In the 2002 edition, he was the leading run-scorer for India with 234 runs in 5 matches. Tendulkar’s contribution to Indian cricket is unparalleled and his performances in the ICC Champions Trophy only add to his legacy.
4. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
Shoaib Malik has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s title triumph in 2009, scoring 248 runs in 4 matches. He also played a vital knock of 72 runs in the final against Sri Lanka, which helped Pakistan chase down a target of 275. Malik was also a part of the Pakistan team that won the tournament in 2017, making him the only player from his country to have won the ICC Champions Trophy twice.
5. Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson was a key member of the Australian team that dominated world cricket in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He played a crucial role in Australia’s title triumphs in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009. In the 2009 final, Watson’s all-round performance (105 runs and 2 wickets) earned him the Player of the Match award. He also won the Player of the Series award in the 2006 edition for scoring 265 runs and taking 6 wickets.
6. Brian Lara (West Indies)
Brian Lara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He was a part of the West Indies team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004. Lara played a crucial knock of 116 runs in the final against England, helping his team chase down a target of 218. He was also the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 333 runs in 4 matches, earning him the Player of the Series award.
7. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Chris Gayle is known for his explosive batting and his ability to win matches single-handedly. He was a part of the West Indies team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 and 2013. In the 2013 final, Gayle played a blistering knock of 58 runs off just 35 balls, helping his team chase down a target of 130. He was also the leading run-scorer for West Indies in the tournament with 234 runs in 5 matches.
In conclusion, these seven players have not only won the ICC Champions Trophy on multiple occasions but have also left a lasting impact on the tournament with their performances. They have shown great skill, determination