Rohit Sharma becomes 4th highest run-scorer as ODI opener; surpasses Gilchrist, Ganguly

Most runs as opener in ODI [Source: @iamsmudgefan, @drivexpull/X.com]

India's limited-overs great Rohit Sharma has just added another milestone to his amazing career. In the 2nd ODI against Australia, he thrashed 73 of 97 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes.

With this, Rohit not only displayed his class but also became one of the most successful openers in ODIs among legendary names like Adam Gilchrist and Sourav Ganguly.

Let’s take a detailed look at the 5 leading run scorers in ODIs as an opener and why Rohit's record stands out so much.

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5. Adam Gilchrist - 9200 runs

5. Adam Gilchrist - 9200 runs [Source: @TheCricketPanda/X.com]

Australia's destructive wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist scored 9200 runs in 259 innings as an opening batsman. With 16 hundreds and 53 half-centuries, Gilchrist certainly knew how to change the course of a game. 

At his peak, Gilchrist was unstoppable. He used to play with classic Aussie intent, and on his day, he was good enough to rattle any top-quality bowling attack.

4. Rohit Sharma - 9219 runs

4. Rohit Sharma - 9219 runs [Source: @BCCI/X.com]

India’s veteran batter, Rohit Sharma, now has 9219 runs as an ODI opener, surpassing legends like Adam Gilchrist. What makes Rohit’s achievement remarkable is the fewer number of innings (186) compared to others. 

In the 2nd ODI vs Australia at Adelaide, he scored 73 runs to break into this top 5 list. Rohit’s ability to anchor innings, rotate strike, and accelerate when needed makes him one of the most dangerous openers in modern cricket. 

3. Chris Gayle - 10,179 runs 

3. Chris Gayle - 10,179 runs [Source: @ICC/X.com]

West Indies' "Universe Boss" Chris Gayle accumulated 10179 ODI runs, leaving fans in awe with his big-hitting. Gayle was able to destroy any bowling order and flip a game around within a few overs. 

In over 274 games, he scored 25 hundreds and 328 sixes. His remarkable capability of hitting over the boundary at will made him a bowler's nightmare and a global fan favourite.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya - 12,740 runs 

2. Sanath Jayasuriya - 12,740 runs [Source: @Houseof_Cricket/X.com]

Sri Lanka's aggressive opener Sanath Jayasuriya scored 12740 runs, changing the face of ODI cricket with his style of play. The legendary opener played 383 innings at the top of the order, scoring 28 hundreds and 66 half-centuries. 

Jayasuriya would usually set the tone for his side's innings quite often. His ability to combine power-hitting with intelligent placement made him one of the most enjoyable and successful openers of his time.

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 15,310 runs

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 15,310 runs [Source: @Loyalsachfan10/X.com]

At the top of the list is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 15310 runs as an opener in ODIs. Dubbed the "Master Blaster," Sachin combined technique, consistency, and flexibility to intimidate bowlers around the world. 

In more than 300 innings, Tendulkar blasted 45 centuries and 75 half-centuries. From attacking fast bowlers to carefully building innings against spin, he raised the bar so high that few have been able to touch it. Even now, his record is the ultimate yardstick for young openers.

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