Rohit Sharma will score most runs in CT 2025: Clarke
What's the story
Former Australian cricket team captain, Michael Clarke, expects Rohit Sharma to be the highest run-scorer in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The prediction comes as Team India gears up for the tournament after a clean sweep (3-0) against England in their last ODI series. Rohit scored his 32nd ton in the 2nd ODI versus England, getting to his old usual self. Here are further details.
Player's form
Clarke lauds Rohit's performance ahead of Champions Trophy
During the ODI series against England, Rohit scored an impressive 119 runs off just 90 balls in the second ODI. Despite struggling in the last few months, he scored a total of 122 runs in three matches. Clarke said he was delighted to see Rohit return to form on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast and added his performance would be crucial for India's success in the upcoming tournament.
Tournament history
Rohit's impressive record in Champions Trophy
Rohit has an impeccable record in the Champions Trophy, having scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44 in 10 matches. He has one century and four half-centuries to his name. This makes him the fifth-highest run-scorer for India in the tournament's history. Clarke feels Rohit's form will be a major reason behind India's possible victory in the upcoming event.
Information
Clarke feels Rohit will score most runs in the tourney
Clarke backed Rohit as the potential top scorer. "I am going to say Rohit Sharma—leading run scorer in the tournament," Clarke said. "It's good to see him making runs again. I think India need him for sure," he added.
Top performers
Clarke's picks for top performers in Champions Trophy
Apart from his predictions regarding India and Rohit Sharma, Clarke also revealed his picks for the highest wicket-taker and Player of The Tournament. He picked England's Jofra Archer as the possible leading wicket-taker, calling him a "superstar." For Player of The Tournament, he tipped Travis Head owing to his phenomenal form in the last IPL season.
Final showdown
Clarke envisions India-Australia final in Champions Trophy
Clarke also predicted a final showdown between India and Australia, just like the 2023 ODI World Cup final. But this time, he thinks India will win. "You know what, I think India are going to beat Australia in the final," he said during his podcast appearance. The Champions Trophy will start on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand while India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.