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Rohit Sharma for India (Source: PTI)
Rohit Sharma got off to a blazing start alongside opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s third ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Vizag. The legendary opener started off the series with a match-winning 57 in Ranchi, before falling for just 14 in the second ODI a few days ago at Raipur.
Nonetheless, Rohit Sharma has now joined former Indian cricketer and all-time great Sachin Tendulkar for a rare ODI record as an opener, against opponents like South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia to be precise.
Rohit Sharma becomes only second opener to scale 5k vs SENA
Rohit Sharma, who first opened the innings for Team India in ODIs back in 2011 before taking the role on a full-time basis in 2013, has now completed 5,000 runs as an opener against SENA countries. The former Indian skipper has become only the second cricketer in history to reach the landmark figure after fellow Mumbai-based batter and Indian batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar.
Here is a look at five opening batters with the highest number of ODI runs to their names against SENA teams.
Most runs scored vs SENA teams as an opener in ODIs:
| Runs | Players | Team |
| 7,116 | Sachin Tendulkar | India |
| 5,001* | Rohit Sharma | India |
| 4,533 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka |
| 4,438 | Chris Gayle | ICC and West Indies |
| 4,253 | Desmond Haynes | West Indies |
With Rohit Sharma being the only active playing member in this exclusive list, the vintage opener might well add loads of runs to his tally before announcing his retirement.
The 38-year-old is also playing only ODIs for Team India considering the senior pro has already called it quits from Tests and T20Is. As per an official estimation, Rohit Sharma will likely play 40 to 45 more ODI matches until the 2027 ICC World Cup, i.e., until his reported desired farewell tournament, giving him plenty of time to at least entertain thoughts of matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record haul.
