Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has tipped Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli to top the run charts in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The series could serve as Kohli’s last appearance on Australian soil, a place where he has consistently enjoyed batting. Although India’s line-up boasts a wealth of talent, including captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, Clarke believes Kohli’s experience and status in the middle order make him the leading run-scorer.
Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke emphasized that both Kohli and Rohit are likely to make the series a memorable one on their return. While he predicted both Rohit and Kohli to score big in the series, he chose Kohli as his top scorer as he is most likely to bat at number three. Clarke said he is confident that the Indian stalwart will make the most of the opportunity, especially if it is indeed his last ODI stint in Australia.
“(Top scorer) Well, in my opinion it’s Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. I just got this thing, if it’s their last trip to Australia, they’re going to want to go out on a high. I think batting at number three or four is probably a bit easier in Australia than opening because Rohit is going to open, so I’m going to lead, Clar-kecor Kohli.
Anticipation is already building for the three-match ODI series, with the opener in Perth on October 19 a complete sell-out. Fans are dying to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action after a seven-month hiatus, and if it turns out to be their last series in Australia, the excitement is justified.
With Tests and T20Is wrapped up, Rohit and Kohli will now focus solely on one-day internationals in preparation for the ODI World Cup 2027. Every match in the coming years is likely to be a memorable occasion for fans, making their performances in this series particularly special.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
October 18, 2025
