Virat Kohli might have endured a rare slump with the bat, registering consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide. However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke still believes the Indian batting maestro will roar back in style. As India and Australia gear up for the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Clarke has boldly predicted that Kohli will finish as the top run-scorer in the series finale.

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast on Friday, Michael Clarke showed unwavering faith in Kohli’s class, despite his recent struggles. “I will go with Joshy (Hazlewood) for the leading wicket-taker in this game. I’ve gone with Virat so far — he’s got two ducks. But I’m going to stick with him again. Virat Kohli for leading run-scorer and Hazlewood for leading wickets,” Clarke said, emphasising that form may fluctuate, but quality remains permanent.

Clarke also backed India to bounce back with a consolation victory, noting that the Men in Blue would be desperate to finish the series on a positive note ahead of the upcoming T20I series.

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“I’m saying India win this one, so 2-1. I predicted 2-1 Australia before the series, so I don’t mind if India take this one. They won’t want to go home without a win. It’ll be a great game — and it’s important for confidence going into the T20s,” Michael Clarke added.

While Clarke’s optimism may seem ambitious given Kohli’s current form, his prediction underscores the respect the former India captain still commands across cricketing circles. Kohli has faced just 12 deliveries across the first two ODIs without scoring a run, raising concerns about his rhythm and timing after a long break from international action.

Kohli’s record at the SCG has been modest — 146 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.33, with just one fifty — but few would bet against him producing a trademark comeback. Fans still remember his memorable centuries on Australian soil and hope that Sydney could spark another classic Kohli knock.

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Australia, already 2-0 up, will aim for a clean sweep, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood expected to lead their pace attack once again. For India, the final ODI isn’t just about salvaging pride but also about regaining momentum before the T20Is. For Kohli, it’s the perfect stage to silence critics and remind the world why he remains one of cricket’s greatest chasers.