The top 5 Indian openers with the most runs in international cricket have made significant contributions across all formats. Their consistent performances and record-breaking achievements have shaped India’s success, with numerous centuries and memorable innings, cementing their places in the cricketing history as some of the game’s greatest openers.
5. Shikhar Dhawan – 10,876 runs
Shikhar Dhawan, a key figure in India’s opening lineup, gained recognition with a memorable 187-run debut in Test cricket against Australia in 2013. Known for his exceptional performances in ICC tournaments, Dhawan was India’s leading run-scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy, amassing 363 runs in five games, including two centuries. With 10,876 runs in all three formats at an average of 39.66, Dhawan retired in 2024, having scored 24 centuries. His consistency and flair made him one of India’s most reliable openers in modern cricket.
4. Sunil Gavaskar – 12,258 runs
Sunil Gavaskar is regarded as one of India’s greatest Test openers, accumulating 12,258 runs at an average of 46.08, including 2,651 runs in ODIs. His legacy extends beyond his impressive stats, inspiring a generation to embrace cricket. Gavaskar was also the first to score 10,000 Test runs and registered 34 centuries and 67 half-centuries in international cricket. His influence on the game and pioneering achievements make him an iconic figure in Indian cricket.
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,335 runs
Sachin Tendulkar holds a prominent place in batting records, having scored 15,335 runs as an opener in international cricket, with 15,310 of those runs in ODIs at an average of 48.07, including 45 centuries. His unparalleled career includes the record for 100 international centuries. Tendulkar’s achievements cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players, and he retired from international cricket in 2013.
2. Rohit Sharma – 15,404 runs
Rohit Sharma, known for his elegance and consistency, became one of India’s greatest all-format openers. His career changed when MS Dhoni promoted him to open during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Later, he also embraced the role in Tests from 2019. Rohit has scored 15,404 runs as an opener in international cricket at an average of 45.43, including 44 centuries. He is the only player to hit three double centuries in ODIs, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
1. Virender Sehwag – 15,758 runs
Virender Sehwag, India’s highest run-scorer as an opener in international cricket, amassed 15,758 runs at an average of 41.9. Initially a middle-order batsman, he was promoted to open by captain Sourav Ganguly to provide aggressive starts. Sehwag scored 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, with his highest score being 319 against South Africa in Chennai. His explosive style redefined opening batting, making him one of the game’s most exciting players.