Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has praised Rohit Sharma, calling him one of the most underrated white-ball captains in modern cricket. Clarke praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership and brilliant batting after the Indian star scored an unbeaten century in the final ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25.
Rohit, who will lead India in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, produced a stellar performance when he scored 121 runs off 125 balls to lead India to a stunning nine-wicket win over Australia in the third and final ODI as the visiting team avoided a whitewash.
Michael Clarke calls Rohit Sharma the lowest rated white-ball captain
Although India lost the three-match ODI series to Australia 1–2, the former Indian captain won both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. Ahead of the T20 series, Clarke highlighted how Rohit’s leadership has not received the appreciation it deserves.
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The former Australian captain described Rohit Sharma as one of the most effective short-format captains India has ever had. He also highlighted Rohit’s adaptability and success in challenging overseas conditions like Australia, which demand a completely different approach to the subcontinent’s pitches.
Michael Clarke said on The Beyond23 Cricket Podcast: “What a way for both players to leave Australian shores. I’ve always liked the way Rohit plays and he’s been a very good player in Australian conditions, which are a complete contrast to India. His captaincy is underrated. He was a very good short-form captain for India. And he’s one of the best white-ball players ever.” Are. He’s definitely in that conversation.”
Michael Clarke called Virat Kohli the best ODI cricketer
Meanwhile, Clarke also praised Virat Kohli, calling him one of the great ODI players of the modern era. After struggling in the first two matches with consecutive ducks, Kohli made a brilliant comeback by scoring an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls.
The former Indian captain also shared an unbeaten 168-run partnership with Rohit to lead India to a spectacular win over Australia in Sydney.
The former Australian batsman also feels that if India had got conditions like Sydney in the first ODI series, the result could have been very different. “Again, Virat is the best ODI cricketer I have seen, considering the number of matches he has won for his team,” he said.
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Michael Clarke backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for ICC World Cup 2027
Clarke believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play in the ICC World Cup 2027 if they continue their current form. He pointed out that his experience in handling the pressure of big matches will be invaluable for India, describing him as India’s heartbeat in white-ball cricket.
He concluded by saying, “If they are still scoring runs and winning matches for their team, then I think the next World Cup is realistic for both of them. This is also a World Cup, where there is maximum pressure, and they know how to win, and that’s where you need your senior players to handle the pressure moments. Even if those guys didn’t score any runs and they qualified for the semi-finals, I Will be backing both of them to be leading run-scorers in the semi-finals and final.”
