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Michael Clarke tips Virat Kohli to outscore Rohit Sharma in Australia’s final ODI series, citing Kohli’s middle-order edge.
Rohit Sharma (right) and Virat Kohli have retired from Tests (Picture credit: AFP)
Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has said that, supposing that it is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s last trip Down Under, the duo would like to leave on a high and want to score lots of runs, but given that batting in the middle order is easier than opening in Australia, he predicts Kohli to be the highest run-scorer.
The series might mark Kohli’s final stint Down Under, where he has thrived with the bat. Despite India’s talented lineup, including in-form captain Shubman Gill and Rohit, Clarke believes Kohli’s experience and middle-order role make him the favourite to top the run charts.
On the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke noted that both Kohli and Rohit are poised to make their return series memorable. While expecting big contributions from both, he tipped Kohli as the likely top-scorer, given his probable No. 3 spot.
Clarke expressed confidence that the star Indian batter will maximise the chance, if this is indeed his final ODI stint in Australia.
“(Leading run-scorer) Well, in my opinion, it is one of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. I have just got this thing. If it’s their last trip to Australia, they will want to leave on a high. I think batting at number three or four is probably a little bit easier in Australia than opening because Rohit will open, so I am going to go with Virat Kohli, leading run-scorer,” Clarke said.
Excitement is mounting for the three-match ODI series, with the opener in Perth on October 19 already sold out. Fans are eager to see Rohit and Kohli back in action after a seven-month break and if this is indeed their final series in Australia, the hype is justified.
With retirements from Tests and T20Is behind them, Rohit and Kohli are now focusing on ODIs as they gear up for the 2027 World Cup.
October 18, 2025, 16:42 IST
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