Shikhar Dhawan named official ambassador of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The honor is a fitting recognition for his illustrious career and his stellar performances in the tournament.
Dhawan has many records to his name in the competition, including being India's highest run-scorer and third overall with a phenomenal 701 runs across two editions (2013 and 2017).
Here's more.
Record holder
Dhawan's unique achievements in Champions Trophy
Dhawan is the only cricketer to have won two back-to-back Golden Bats in the Champions Trophy.
His phenomenal performances also won him the Player of the Tournament in 2013, the last time India lifted the prestigious trophy.
Additionally, he also holds the record for scoring the most centuries in the tournament's history (three), further cementing his legacy as one of its most iconic players.
Anticipation
Dhawan expresses excitement over ambassador role
Dhawan said some of his most cherished cricketing memories are from playing in the tournament and expressed his excitement about his new role.
According to a press release from the batter's media team, he stated, "Some of my most cherished cricketing memories come from playing in the Champions Trophy, and I'm thrilled to be a part of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as an ambassador."
His involvement will only add to the prestige of this already highly-anticipated tournament.
Additional ambassadors
Other ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature three additional event ambassadors: Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed, Australia's Shane Watson, and New Zealand's Tim Southee.
With their vast Champions Trophy experience, these four ambassadors will offer fans exclusive insights into the tournament through guest columns in the coming weeks.
India will begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai, followed by a clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 and against New Zealand on March 2.
Stats
Dhawan's overall ODI stats and Champions Trophy numbers
Across 167 ODIs, the former opener racked up 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11.
He also boasts a strike rate of 91.35, alongside 17 hundreds and 39 fifties.
Dhawan's best ODI score reads 143, which he smashed against Australia in 2019.
As mentioned he has amassed 701 runs in 10 Champions Trophy innings, (AVG: 77.88, SR: 101.59).
As per ESPNcricinfo, he also boasts three tons and as many fifties with a high score of 125.
Squad
A look at India's squad for the tournament
India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.