In anticipation of the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and Australia, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has made his prediction for the leading run-scorer, and it's not Shubman Gill. Clarke believes that either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma will top the scoring charts, but he's leaning towards Kohli.

The ODI series is set to begin on October 19 in Perth. Clarke suggests that this tour to Australia could be the last for veterans Kohli and Sharma, adding extra significance to their performances. He anticipates that both players will be eager to leave a lasting impression.

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke explained his reasoning. While acknowledging Rohit Sharma's prowess as an opener, Clarke believes that batting at number three or four, where Kohli is likely to bat, offers a slight advantage in Australian conditions. "I've just got this thing - if it is their last trip to Australia, they'll want to leave on a high," Clarke said.

Both Kohli and Sharma have impressive records in Australia. Sharma has scored 1328 runs in 30 ODIs at an average of 53.12, including five centuries and four half-centuries. Kohli has amassed 1327 runs in 29 innings, averaging 51.03 with five centuries and six fifties. This will be the first time the pair will feature in the 50-over format since the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Clarke also predicted the outcome of the series, backing Australia to win 2-1. However, he cautioned that India's strong core could challenge the Aussies. "If there's no rain, I'm saying 2-1 Australia. I think it's going to be tight," Clarke stated.

While Clarke's prediction excludes Shubman Gill as the leading run-scorer, Gill is part of the Indian squad for the ODI series against Australia.

In related news from last year, Clarke had also predicted Kohli to be the leading run-scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. He highlighted Kohli's phenomenal record in Australia and suggested that India's success in the series depended on Kohli's performance.