Top 5 batsmen of ICC Champions Trophy 2013

As we approach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy (to be contested between India and England), let’s take a look back at a competitive event that saw some excellent individual performances.

The conditions in England were very sporting as both bowlers and willow wielders got an opportunity to exhibit their skills. The two new balls at each end combined with the initial moisture available in the surface, which made conditions suitable for the fast bowlers.

The spinners were also involved throughout the tournament, as bounce and turn was always available. This made the task a little more difficult for the batsmen but they enjoyed true surfaces, as even though the bounce was sharper, it was consistent. Good batsmen never detest the ball coming on to the bat.

The tournament saw some individual performances that went a long way into the competition in terms of the contribution it made to the team. These will be added to a long list of memorable innings that the short history of the Champion’s trophy has seen.

Sachin Tendulkar‘s massive innings of 141 against Australia at Dhaka in 1998, Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 in the final of the 2000 edition are two that instantly come to mind.

Here is a list of the top five batsmen who put the competition to light this year by contributing some quality innings to the success of their side:

Rohit Sharma of India bats during the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakiatan at Edgbaston on June 15, 2013 in Birmingham, England. (Getty Images)

5. Rohit Sharma – 168 runs @ Avg. 42.00

The elegant right-handed batsman has been struggling with form for a long time but has retained the confidence of captain MS Dhoni. Asked to open the batting along with Shikhar Dhawan after Murali Vijay’s failures in the warm-up games, he has helped India to some decent starts in the competition.

Sharma scored two half centuries in the first two matches contributing to successive hundred run partnerships with Dhawan. He continued to contribute in the next two matches but without making it big. It will do his reputation a world of good if he can finish the competition strongly with a huge score against England.