Openers play a crucial role in cricket by setting the foundation for the innings and facing the toughest challenge of the new ball, which often swings and seams the most. Their ability to survive early pressure, build partnerships, and provide momentum is vital across all formats. In Test cricket, openers help wear down the bowlers and set the stage for middle-order batsmen, while in ODIs and T20s, they maximize powerplay opportunities by scoring quickly. A strong opening partnership not only boosts the team’s confidence but also allows the middle order to play with freedom.
India has produced some legendary openers like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan, who have not only laid solid foundations but also set the tone for the team’s approach. Whether building innings patiently or capitalizing on powerplay restrictions, openers are vital in shaping India’s batting performances across different conditions and oppositions.
Here’s a list of the top five highest run-getters for India as opener:
1: Virender Sehwag (15,758 runs)
One of the most attacking batters of Indian cricket, Virender Sehwag was a game-changer with his fearless and attacking mindset, redefining the role of an opener. His exceptional hand-eye coordination allowed him to play with minimal foot movement, yet he dominated the best bowlers across all conditions. Sehwag’s ability to score at an astonishing strike rate put opposition teams under pressure right from the start.
From 321 matches, Virender Sehwag managed to score a total of 15,758 runs as an opener with an average of 40.33.
2: Rohit Sharma (15,404 runs)
Indian captain, Rohit Sharma is a blend of elegance and power, with effortless timing that makes him one of the most aesthetically pleasing batsmen. His ability to accelerate after settling in is unmatched, often converting starts into mammoth scores, including multiple double centuries in ODIs. A natural six-hitter, he plays both pace and spin with ease, making use of his impeccable pull shots and lofted drives.
From 343 matches, Rohit Sharma managed to score a total of 15,404 runs as an opener with an average of 45.09.
3: Sachin Tendulkar (15,335 runs)
The god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar was the perfect combination of technique, patience, and aggression, making him one of the greatest openers in cricket history. He was a master of handling pressure, often delivering match-winning knocks in critical situations. With a compact defense and a vast range of strokes, Tendulkar could adapt to any pitch, condition, or opposition.
From 346 matches, Sachin Tendulkar managed to score a total of 15,335 runs as an opener with an average of 43.07.
4: Sunil Gavaskar (12,258 runs)
India’s original batting great, Sunil Gavaskar was known for his rock-solid technique and immense patience. His ability to handle the best fast bowlers of his era, including the fearsome West Indian pacers, without a helmet showcased his unmatched temperament. He built his game around precision and discipline, rarely playing rash shots, which allowed him to accumulate runs consistently.
From 202 matches, Sunil Gavaskar managed to score a total of 12,258 runs as an opener with an average of 62.64.
5: Shikhar Dhawan (10,867 runs)
Aggressive left-handed opener, Shikhar Dhawan was known for his dominant off-side play and consistency in white-ball cricket. He thrives under pressure, particularly in ICC tournaments, where he has a remarkable record. His ability to find gaps and accelerate the scoring rate in powerplays makes him a crucial asset in limited-overs cricket.
From 268 matches, Virender Sehwag managed to score a total of 10,867 runs as an opener with an average of 36.12.
