Top 5 upcoming players to watch out for at the ICC Champions Trophy

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

This young lad from Meerut appears much like another Indian pacer, Praveen Kumar. But unlike Kumar, Bhuvneshwar seems to show better fitness, greater speed and more control. His ODI and T20 careers started off with a wicket in his very first over; both being similar dismissals with the batsman being foxed by the late swing that Kumar gets with the new ball. His ability to swing both ways without any noticeable change in action, along with the new rules introduced in ODI cricket that allow for two new balls at two ends, make him a potent weapon. If the conditions suit his bowling, Kumar has the ability to run through a side by bowling ten overs in a spell on a trot.

4. Joe Root

Joe root proved his mettle as a batsmen is the Test series against India where he battled spin and fast bowling in unfamiliar conditions and came out on top. He is not a player who will go after the bowling from the word go but he is consistent and can anchor the innings in an English side that is vulnerable to melt-downs. The English have a balanced side and in home conditions, Joe Root’s batting will be a key contribution.

5. Junaid Khan

Another Pakistani cricketer on the list who deserves mention. Junaid Khan is a left-handed bowler who can swing the ball at relatively higher speeds and is particularly a threat to right-handed batsman with his incoming delivery. Junaid has had an excellent international career with Pakistan so far, taking piles of wickets against India and South Africa. Given the tragic loss of the potential of Md. Amir in the spot-fixing scandal, Junaid will be treasured by Pakistan. Working in combination with Md. Irfan and Wahab Riaz, the left-handed fast bowler will look to pick early wickets with his swing.

Others to look out for: Kusal Perera, Umesh Yadav, Jos Butler, Kane Williamson