Not Shubman Gill! Michael Clarke Drops Bombshell Prediction for India’s Top Run-Scorer in Australia ODIs
Look, the cricket world is buzzing and former Australian captain Michael Clarke just threw a massive curveball into the mix. With the huge India vs Australia ODI series kicking off October 19, 2025, everyone’s got an opinion. But Clarke’s latest call is a real head-turner, predicting Virat Kohli will outshine India’s new ODI captain, Shubman Gill, as the series’ top run-scorer.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Clarke predicts Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer, not new captain Shubman Gill.
- He also forecasted a 2-1 series victory for Australia on their home turf.
- Shubman Gill is set to lead India as ODI captain for the first time in this high-stakes series.
- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are returning to the ODI squad after a seven-month hiatus.
Why King Kohli Over the New Captain?
So, why is Clarke betting against the new skipper? It’s all about strategy. He thinks batting at No. 3 or 4 in Australian conditions is ‘slightly easier’ than opening the innings. That’s where Kohli thrives. This logic also places Kohli ahead of veteran opener Rohit Sharma in Clarke’s books.
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Yeah, you heard that right. He’s backing the seasoned pro over the young gun leading the side. It’s a bold statement, especially with Gill expected to dominate. But Clarke is sticking to his guns, believing Kohli’s experience in the middle order will be the deciding factor down under.
A Shock Series Prediction
But wait, there’s more. Clarke didn’t just stop at predicting the top batsman. He went all in, forecasting a 2-1 series win for Australia. This might sound surprising, especially since India is coming in hot after winning the ICC Champions Trophy, where they even knocked out Australia in the semi-finals back in March 2025.
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Australia’s recent ODI form has been shaky, including a 2-1 series loss to South Africa in August. So, predicting they’ll beat the reigning Champions Trophy winners is a gutsy call. Is it home-ground advantage, or does Clarke see a weakness others don’t?
The Stage is Set for a Blockbuster
This series is packed with storylines. It’s not just another tour; it’s Shubman Gill’s first big test as ODI captain. Plus, you’ve got the monumental return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to one-day cricket after a seven-month break, having retired from T20Is and Tests to focus on this format. Talk about pressure.
Mark your calendars for an absolute spectacle. The series unfolds across Australia’s most iconic grounds:
- 1st ODI: October 19 in Perth
- 2nd ODI: October 23 in Adelaide
- 3rd ODI: October 25 in Sydney
So, will Michael Clarke’s bold predictions come to life, or will Captain Gill and his squad prove him wrong on Australian soil? One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a single ball.