Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes Australia will lose to India in the final, but Travis Head will be the player of the tournament.
As the tournament approaches, predictions and speculations are heating up. Clarke has already formed a picture of the tournament’s standout performers in his mind. According to him, India will lift the Champions Trophy, and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will finish as the top run-scorer.
India’s chances took an early blow with Jasprit Bumrah missing out due to injury, yet they remain the tournament favorites. They recently showcased their depth by whitewashing England in a three-match series. Rohit Sharma also broke his run drought in that series with a destructive century in the second game.
Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke shared his Champions Trophy predictions, stating that Rohit will lead from the front and guide India to the title.
“I think India will win the trophy. Their captain, who has returned to form… I’ll say Rohit Sharma will be the tournament’s highest run-scorer.”
“It’s great to see him back among the runs. His good form is crucial for India.”
Clarke also shared his thoughts on the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. The 2015 World Cup-winning captain believes an England pacer will top the charts, even if the team doesn’t perform exceptionally well.
“I think the leading wicket-taker will be Jofra Archer. I know England’s situation, and I don’t expect them to do very well, but Archer is a superstar.”
“I believe he will be tough to handle for batters. I’m picking him as the top wicket-taker.”
Clarke predicts Australia will struggle against India in the final, but he still sees one of his countrymen as the likely Player of the Tournament.
“For Player of the Tournament, I’d say Travis Head… He is in incredible form. He was outstanding in the last IPL and had a great Australian summer. He didn’t do as well in Sri Lanka, but he’s ready to fire again.”
“My guess is Travis Head will be the Player of the Tournament, even though I think Australia might lose in the final.”
The Champions Trophy kicks off on Wednesday with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand. India will play their first game against Bangladesh on Thursday, while Australia faces England in their opener on Saturday.
