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Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has backed India captain Rohit Sharma to be the leading run-scorer in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19 in Karachi. India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The Men in Blue begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma returned to top form during the recent three-match ODI series against England, notching up a century in the second ODI. The 37-year-old Indian captain faced significant scrutiny following a poor Test series against Australia but silenced critics with a commanding hundred.
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“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 stated on the latest episode of Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
“It’s good to see him making runs again. I think India need him for sure,” he added.
Clarke also predicted that England’s Jofra Archer would emerge as the tournament’s top wicket-taker, despite expecting England to underperform in the Champions Trophy. England are in Group B alongside Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
“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. I think Jofra is going to be really hard to play. So, I am going to have him as my leading wicket-taker,” Clarke mentioned.
The 2015 World Cup-winning captain further picked Australian opener Travis Head as the Player of the Tournament. While he expects Australia to reach the final, he does not see them lifting the trophy.
“I am going to go with Travis Head (for Player of the Tournament). Travis Head has been in terrific form. His IPL form was phenomenal. Australian Test summer form was phenomenal. He has had a bit of a break in Sri Lanka. He is ready to go again. So, I am going to say Travis Head Player of the Tournament even though I think Australia might lose the final,” Clarke concluded.
