Michael Clarke snubs Australia as he predicts winners and highest run-scorer of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played from February 19 to March 9.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its much-awaited return after eight years. The tournament was last held in 2017 in England, where Pakistan clinched their maiden title.

This year’s edition will be played in a hybrid model across Pakistan and Dubai. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups – A and B. Group A features hosts Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

With the tournament just days away, the cricket world is buzzing with predictions. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke is the latest to share his thoughts.

Michael Clarke snubs Australia as he predicts winners and highest run-scorer of ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke predicted India to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also emphasized that Rohit Sharma will finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Clarke said, “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. It’s good to see him making runs again. I think India need him for sure.”

Clarke’s comments have come after India’s dominant whitewash ODI series win against England. While the victory was a team effort, the biggest positive for Team India came in the second game in Cuttack, where Rohit Sharma smashed a brilliant 119 off 90 balls.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 winners, Australia, have been hit with multiple injury concerns ahead of the tournament. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh have all been ruled out due to injuries, while Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis will miss the event due to personal reasons and ODI retirement respectively.

India will start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.

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