'India is going to win, Rohit Sharma leading run scorer': Ex-Australia captain makes massive prediction for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Australia's World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke has selected Rohit Sharma to be the tournament's top run scorer and predicted that India will win the 2025 Champions Trophy. India enters the tournament fresh off a 3-0 victory over England in the ODI series. In the Cuttack ODI, Rohit scored an incredible 119 from 90 balls, regaining his form over the series.

Clarke on Rohit and India

The Indian captain scored 122 runs in the three games after struggling greatly over the previous few months. It was encouraging to see Rohit score some runs once more, and Clarke stated on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast that he believed the opener would be crucial to India's prospects of winning the Champions Trophy.

"Well, I am saying India is going to win (Champions Trophy). I am going to go with their captain, who’s back in form. I am going to say Rohit Sharma—leading run scorer in the tournament,” Clarke mentioned in the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast. He added, “It’s good to see him making runs again. I think India need him for sure," said Clarke

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When it comes to the Champions Trophy, Rohit has an incredible record. The Indian captain has amassed 481 runs at an average of 53.44 in 10 games, including four fifties and a century. In the tournament's history, he is also India's fourth-highest run scorer.

Clarke's other predictions

For the Champions Trophy, Clarke offered his selections for Player of the Tournament and top wicket-taker. Clarke believes that England pacer Jofra Archer is a superstar and chose him as the player who will take the most wickets.

"I want to go with Jofra Archer—leading wicket-taker. I know England; I am not expecting them to do that well, but I think he’s a superstar,” said Clarke.

The former Aussie skipper also predicted Travis Head to be the Player Of The Tournament as the star batter is in great form.

"I am going to go with Travis Head (for Player of the Tournament). His IPL form was phenomenal. He is ready to go again," Clarke added.

The Champions Trophy is all set to get underway on February 19 with Pakistan clashing against New Zealand in mega tournament's opener.