Michael Clarke declares Rohit Sharma as the 'leading run-scorer' in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Delhi: The countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy has begun, with just a few days left until the tournament kicks off. Teams have touched down at their respective venues and are gearing up for the highly anticipated competition. The opening match will see Pakistan face off against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19, followed by India taking on Bangladesh on February 20. The clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set to be the highlight of the tournament on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium. Fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling encounters that await in this prestigious competition.

Prior to the tournament, former Australian captain Michael Clarke shared some confident forecasts. He anticipated the leading run scorer, top wicket-taker, and the standout player of the ICC Champions Trophy.

In response to a question regarding the top run scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy, Clarke expressed his belief that Indian captain Rohit Sharma would lead the scoring. He also predicted that India would emerge victorious in the tournament.

“Well, I’m saying India is going to win, so I’m going with their captain who’s back in form. I’m going to say Rohit Sharma will be the leading run-scorer in the tournament,” Clarke stated. Rohit would head to the tournament with decent form, having scored a hundred in the second ODI vs England. “Wouldn’t it be great to see him back in wonderful form? It’s good to see him making runs again. Absolutely, I think India needs him for sure,” the 43-year-old added during the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, host Erin Holland

Clarke promptly mentioned England fast bowler Jofra Archer as the leading wicket-taker. “Wow, most wickets? Well, when we did the PSL last year, it didn’t spin that much; the wickets were slow. I’m going to go with a fast bowler. I’ll pick Jofra Archer as the leading wicket-taker,” Clarke predicted. “I know England might not do that well, but I think he’s a superstar. Jofra is going to be really hard to play, so I’m going to have him as my leading wicket-taker,” he added.

The ex-captain of Australia endorsed Travis Head for the Player of the Tournament Award. “If it’s between India and Australia, I’m going with Travis Head. His IPL form was phenomenal, his Australian summer Test form was phenomenal, and after a short break in Sri Lanka, he’s ready to go again,” Clarke explained.