Champions Trophy: 5 players to watch out

Rediff.com's Harish Kotian picks 5 players to look out for in this year's Champions Trophy.

T20 cricket's huge appeal has seen the gradual eclipse of the 50 overs game.

Which is why the Champions Trophy is such a big test for one day cricket.

Can the cricketing world's eight top teams produce enough fireworks this coming fortnight to ensure that ODIs stay alive.

Five players who may make all the difference between entertainment and ennui this competition.

David Warner

Warner is in rich form heading into the tournament.

The highest scorer in IPL 10, Warner amassed 641 runs in 14 games and was by far that contest's Most Valuable Player.

Though he perished cheaply in the two warm-up games, scoring 19 and 11 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively, no opponent will disregard the little man's big threat with the bat.

Bowlers watch out! There's no stopping this Aussie once he gets going.

Ben Stokes

After his amazing showing in his maiden IPL -- he scored 316 runs, picked 12 wickets and was electric in the field -- much is expected from Stokesy this Champions Trophy.

He has already announced his form going into the tournament, smashing 101 against South Africa in the second ODI before a slight injury made him miss the next game.

His game will make all the difference for England, one of the competition's favourites.

Virat Kohli

After a poor IPL season, Virat is itching to get back to his winning ways.

One of the contest's biggest attractions, the Indian skipper has an awe-inspiring ODI record -- 7,755 runs in 179 games, with 27 centuries at an impressive average of 53.

In a run chase, there is no one better than Virat and his half-century in the warm-up match against New Zealand will be a big boost going into the tournament.

Hashim Amla

Perhaps the finest and most consistent batsman in world cricket across all formats currently.

After a successful IPL -- the classy South African was the only batsman to hit two centuries -- Amla just scored two fifties in the three-match ODI series against England.

If Kohli is regarded as the best batsman in limited overs cricket, Amla has shown he is as good, if not better.

He recently broke Kohli's record for being the fastest batsman to score 7.000 ODI runs.

Amla has also been the fastest to score 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 runs in 50 overs cricket.

What a player!

Kagiso Rabada

The World's No 1 bowler in ODIs.

The 22-year-old quickie blew away England with a sensation 4 wicket haul in the final ODI game on Monday, May 29, a clear warning to South Africa's opponents, which includes India in the league stages.

Though Kagiso played only six games for the Delhi Daredevils in his first IPL this year, the tearaway impressed folks with his ability to generate pace on docile Indian pitches.