Top 10 Fastest Indian Batters To 2000 ODI Runs
KL Rahul completed 2000 runs in ODIs vs Pakistan (Twitter)
During Asia Cup 2023's Super Fours match against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, KL Rahul etched his name in the records by becoming the joint third-fastest Indian to score 2,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). By achieving this in just 53 innings spanning 55 ODI matches, he showed his consistency and ability in the format.
Top 10 fastest Indians to 2000-run ODI mark
This accomplishment has placed Rahul alongside Virat Kohli, both securing their 2,000-run milestones in 53 innings. They jointly occupy the third position in the list of fastest Indian batsmen to reach this particular landmark in terms of innings.
Leading the list is the explosive opener Shikhar Dhawan, who set the benchmark by reaching 2,000 ODI runs in just 48 innings. Following closely behind Dhawan are Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sourav Ganguly, who both achieved this distinction in 52 innings
To give a clearer perspective, here's a look of the top 10 fastest Indian batsmen to hit the 2,000-run mark in ODIs.
1. Shikhar Dhawan: 48 innings
Shikhar Dhawan (Twitter)
Shikhar Dhawan's journey to the fastest 2,000 ODI runs for India sumps up his explosive and dominant style at the top of the order. With his blistering century on debut in Tests, he set a precedent for things to come in the shorter format. Dhawan, reaching the 2,000-run milestone in just 48 innings, reflects his consistency and ability to set the tone for India ODIs. His free-flowing strokes and aggressive starts have been vital in him achieving this feat at breakneck speed.
2. Navjot Singh Sidhu: 52 innings
Navjot Singh Sidhu (Twitter)
Navjot Singh Sidhu, with his classic style and penchant for big shots, displayed a consistency in the 50-over format that saw him reach 2,000 ODI runs in just 52 innings. This achievement is a proof of Sidhu's role as a solid top-order batsman during his time, blending elegance with power-hitting. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required made him instrumental in India's ODI successes during his era.
3. Sourav Ganguly: 52 innings
Sourav Ganguly (Twitter)
Sourav Ganguly's ascension to 2,000 ODI runs in just 52 innings is suggestive of his class and dominance as a batsman in the late 90s and early 2000s. His grace on the off-side and ability to dispatch bowlers with ease set the stage for many memorable Indian victories. Ganguly's achievement isn't just about the runs but how he got them, often taking on the mantle of leading the team from the front and setting the platform for those to follow.
4. Virat Kohli: 53 innings
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
Virat Kohli's journey to 2,000 ODI runs in 53 innings shows his impeccable consistency and hunger for runs. Kohli, even early in his career displayed a unique ability to read match situations and play accordingly. His knack for constructing innings and converting starts into substantial scores made him one of the mainstays of the Indian batting line-up. This achievement was just an early indicator of the plethora of records he would go on to break in his illustrious ODI career.
5. KL Rahul: 53 innings
KL Rahul (Twitter)
KL Rahul's rise in international cricket has been marked by adaptability and elegance. Achieving the 2,000 ODI runs in 53 innings highlights his importance to the Indian middle order. Despite being primarily known for his exploits in the longer format initially, Rahul's seamless transition into ODIs, marked by stylish shots and a calm approach, ensured he reached this milestone with aplomb against Pakistan.
6. Gautam Gambhir: 61 innings
Gautam Gambhir (Twitter)
Gautam Gambhir's journey to 2,000 ODI runs in 61 innings speaks volumes about his ability and skills as an opener. Known for his compact technique and ability to stitch partnerships, Gambhir provided stability at the top. His meticulous shot selection along with the knack of rotating the strike, played a crucial role in him achieving this milestone. This feat is indicative of how instrumental he was in anchoring the innings and setting the base for the middle order which also helped India in crunch games in big tournaments.
7. MS Dhoni: 62 innings
MS Dhoni (Twitter)
At No. 7 is the owner of number seven MS Dhoni. Achieving 2,000 runs in 62 innings, Dhoni showcased his worth as a middle-order dynamo early in his career. Emerging from a swashbuckling batsman who could dismantle any bowling attack to a calm and calculated finisher, Dhoni's journey to the milestone reflects his adaptability. His mastery in reading the game's situation along with his power-hitting capabilities, ensured he was a force to be reckoned with in the middle overs.
8. Rahul Dravid: 63 innings
Rahul Dravid (Twitter)
Rahul Dravid, often known as 'The Wall', reached the 2,000-run mark in ODIs in 63 innings. Though primarily recognized for his technique and patience in Test cricket, Dravid's adaptability in the ODI format is evident from this achievement where he went on to score over 10,000 runs. His ability to anchor the innings, provide stability in the middle, and even accelerate when required, demonstrated his versatility and importance in the 50-over format for India.
9. Ajinkya Rahane: 63 innings
Ajinkya Rahane (Twitter)
Ajinkya Rahane's accomplishment of 2,000 ODI runs in 63 innings highlights his class and reliability in the white-ball format. Often seen as a technically sound batsman suitable for the longer format, Rahane's adaptability in ODIs has been commendable. His steady approach and capability to switch gears ensured he held his own in a formidable Indian batting lineup.
10. Virender Sehwag: 66 innings
Virender Sehwag (Twitter)
Renowned for his fearless and explosive style of batting, Virender Sehwag reached the 2,000 ODI runs mark in 66 innings. A game-changer at the top, Sehwag's ability to take on bowlers from the word go gave India many flying starts. His no-nonsense approach and his wide range of shots made him one of the most dangerous batsmen of his time. The milestone is a proof of his impact in setting the tempo in ODIs for India.
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