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Fastest Cricketers To Reach 9000 ODI Runs As An Opener

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma [Source: AP Photos]Rohit Sharma [Source: AP Photos]

As India faced arch-rivals Pakistan in a pulsating Champions Trophy 2025 showdown in Dubai, Rohit Sharma carved his name deeper into cricketing history. The Indian captain, renowned for rewriting record books, crossed the 9,000-run milestone in ODI cricket as an opener during the high-pressure clash. 

Achieving this feat in just 181 innings, Rohit Sharma surpassed legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly to become the fastest opener ever to reach the landmark. The moment came amid a fiery knock, with Sharma’s trademark elegance and aggression silencing Pakistan’s bowling attack and electrifying a packed stadium.

While this milestone adds another jewel to Sharma’s legacy as one of the modern greats of white-ball cricket, let's take a look at how Rohit topped the other maestros in the fewest innings as an opener.

5. Adam Gilchrist (253 innings)

Australia’s World Cup hero, Adam Gilchrist, revolutionized the role with his audacious strokeplay and managed to bag the 9000-run milestone in 253 innings. Notably, in 259 innings as an opener, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter accumulated 9,200 runs at an average of 36.51, often providing explosive starts for his team. He registered 16 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with a highest score of 172. 

With a staggering strike rate of 98.03, Gilchrist was ahead of his time, bringing a fearless brand of cricket that changed the dynamics of opening in ODIs. His fearless approach in major tournaments, including World Cups, cemented his legacy as one of the most influential openers in cricket history. 

4. Chris Gayle (246 innings)

The Universe Boss brought Caribbean swagger to the opener’s role, terrorizing bowlers with his power-hitting and record six-hitting sprees. Gayle managed to reach the milestone in 246 innings, however, in his career as an opener in ODIs, in 274 innings, the West Indian giant amassed 10,179 runs at an average of 39.45, proving his ability to consistently deliver impactful performances. He smashed 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 215, which remains one of the highest individual scores in ODIs. 

With a strike rate of 88.02, Gayle was a nightmare for opposition bowlers, capable of single-handedly turning matches in his team’s favour. While his attacking mindset led to 23 ducks, his sheer presence at the crease put pressure on the fielding side from the outset. His ability to dismantle pace and spin alike made him one of the most feared openers in modern cricket. 

3. Sourav Ganguly (231 innings)

India’s ‘Dada’ combined flair with grit, forming iconic partnerships with Tendulkar. Sourav Ganguly, one of India's most prolific opening batters, played a crucial role at the top of the order across formats. However, he reached the 9000-run ODI mark in 231 innings and in 236 innings as an opener, Ganguly amassed 9,146 runs at an impressive average of 41.57. He registered 19 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

His strike rate of 73.59 reflects his balanced approach, combining aggression with stability, making him an asset in both ODI chases and setting up totals. Despite 13 ducks in his career, Ganguly’s impact as an opener was instrumental in shaping India's top order, often providing solid starts alongside Sachin Tendulkar.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (197 innings)

The Master Blaster held the record for decades, amassing runs with technical mastery. His phase as opener laid the foundation for India’s ODI evolution. Tendulkar has always been a star performer with the bat in the opening slot thrashing bowlers with grace and he managed to bag the 9000-run milestone as an opener in just 197 innings.

As an opener, Sachin Tendulkar has garnered 15,310 runs at a strike rate of 88.05 at an average of 48.30. He also bagged 45 centuries and 75 fifties to his name during his ODI days as an opener.

1. Rohit Sharma (181 innings)

Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable milestone in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan, becoming the fastest player to reach 9,000 runs as an ODI opener. He accomplished this feat in just 181 innings, surpassing previous records with an outstanding average of 54.99. Rohit has also notched up 30 centuries and 54 half-centuries, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest openers in limited-overs cricket.

In the Pakistan clash, Rohit Sharma provided India with an aggressive start, scoring 20 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi. His ability to accelerate the innings with fluent strokeplay has been a key factor in India's success over the years. With 9,019 runs to his name at a strike rate that balances control and aggression, Rohit continues to set benchmarks for future generations.