Top 5 Indian openers with most runs in international cricket

Five Indian openers have scored over 10,000 runs across formats in international cricket

Openers play a crucial role in the batting lineup in any format. Starting the innings, they are not only accountable for scoring runs, but also are tasked with protecting the rest of the batting lineup against the new ball which carries an extra wicket-taking threat than the softer, older ball.

Over the years, India have produced several legendary openers who have played a key role in establishing their dominance across formats.

On that note, let’s take a look at top five Indian openers with most runs in international cricket.

Top 5 Indian openers with most runs in international cricket:

5. Shikhar Dhawan – 10,876 runs

Shikhar Dhawan was one of India’s most underrated all-format openers. He came to the limelight with a stunning 187-run knock on his test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013.

One of Dhawan’s strengths was his brilliant form in ICC tournaments. He was India’s top scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy, scoring 363 runs in five games, including two centuries.

Dhawan retired in 2024 after scoring 10,876 runs for India as an opener in all three formats at an average of 39.66, which included 24 centuries.

4. Sunil Gavaskar – 12,258 runs

Considered one of India’s greatest test openers, Sunil Gavaskar scored 12,258 runs as an opener at an average of 46.08. Of these, 2651 runs were in ODIs.

Gavaskar’s impact goes beyond numbers as he inspired a generation to take up cricket. He was also the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in test cricket.

He registered 34 tons and 67 half centuries as an opener in international cricket.

3. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,335 runs

There are few batting records without the mention of Sachin Tendulkar. He scored 15,335 runs as an opener in international cricket – almost all of them (15310 runs) in ODIs – at an average of 48.07, including 45 centuries.

Tendulkar’s career records speak for his legendary achievements and he remains the only batsman to score 100 international centuries.

He retired from international cricket in 2013.

2. Rohit Sharma – 15,404 runs

Rohit Sharma is one of India’s most elegant batsmen and an all-time great all-format opener. His career took a turn when MS Dhoni promoted him to open in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Similar to ODIs, Rohit started opening in tests late in his career, taking up the role for the first time in 2019.

He has so far scored 15,404 international runs as an opener in international cricket at an average of 45.43, with 44 centuries. He is also the only batsman to hit three double centuries in ODIs.

1. Virender Sehwag – 15,758 runs

Virender Sehwag is India’s highest run-scorer as an opener in international cricket with 15,758 runs at an average of 41.9 across formats.

Starting his career as a middle-order batsman, he was promoted to open by captain Sourav Ganguly to provide blistering starts.

His slammed 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, with his highest score of 319 coming against South Africa in Chennai in test cricket.

(All stats are updated till 9th February 2025)

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