The fastest openers to score 9,000 ODI runs include players who revolutionized the opening role with aggressive strokeplay and consistency. Their remarkable records, blending aggression with stability, have established them as some of the most influential and successful openers in cricket history, setting benchmarks for future generations.
Adam Gilchrist (253 innings)
Australia’s World Cup hero, Adam Gilchrist, revolutionized the role of an opener with his audacious strokeplay, reaching 9000 ODI runs in just 253 innings. Across 259 innings as an opener, he amassed 9,200 runs at an average of 36.51, delivering explosive starts for his team. Gilchrist scored 16 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with a highest score of 172.
With a striking rate of 98.03, Gilchrist’s fearless brand of cricket changed the dynamics of opening in ODIs. His consistent performances, especially in major tournaments like the World Cup, solidified his legacy as one of the most influential openers in cricket history.
Chris Gayle (246 innings)
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, brought Caribbean swagger to the opener’s role, terrorizing bowlers with his power-hitting and record six-hitting sprees. Reaching the 9000-run milestone in 246 innings, Gayle amassed 10,179 runs in 274 innings as an opener, with an impressive average of 39.45. He scored 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with a career-best of 215, one of the highest individual scores in ODIs.
With a strike rate of 88.02, Gayle was a nightmare for opposition bowlers, capable of turning matches single-handedly. Despite 23 ducks, his presence at the crease put pressure on fielding sides, making him one of the most feared openers in modern cricket.
Sourav Ganguly (231 innings)
India’s ‘Dada,’ Sourav Ganguly, combined flair with grit, forming iconic partnerships with Sachin Tendulkar. One of India’s most prolific opening batters, Ganguly played a key role at the top of the order across formats. He reached the 9000-run mark in ODIs in 231 innings, accumulating 9,146 runs in 236 innings as an opener at an impressive average of 41.57. Ganguly scored 19 centuries and 58 half-centuries.
With a strike rate of 73.59, Ganguly balanced aggression and stability, making him a valuable asset in both ODI chases and setting totals. Despite 13 ducks, his impact as an opener was vital in shaping India’s top order.
Sachin Tendulkar (197 innings)
Sachin Tendulkar, known as the Master Blaster, held the record for decades, amassing runs with technical mastery. His phase as an opener laid the foundation for India’s ODI evolution. With graceful strokeplay, Tendulkar bagged the 9000-run milestone as an opener in just 197 innings.
As an opener, Tendulkar scored 15,310 runs at an average of 48.30 and a strike rate of 88.05. He registered 45 centuries and 75 half-centuries, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific and consistent openers in ODI cricket history.
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, boasting an outstanding average of 54.99. With 30 centuries and 54 half-centuries, Rohit has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest openers in limited-overs cricket.
During the match against Pakistan, Rohit provided India with an aggressive start, scoring 20 off 15 balls before being dismissed. His ability to accelerate the innings has been key to India’s success, setting benchmarks for future generations.
| Player | Innings to Reach 9000 Runs | Total Runs (as opener) | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 181 | 9,019 | 54.99 | 30 | 54 | 264 | 88.05 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 197 | 15,310 | 48.30 | 45 | 75 | 200* | 88.05 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 231 | 9,146 | 41.57 | 19 | 58 | 183 | 73.59 |
| Chris Gayle | 246 | 10,179 | 39.45 | 25 | 53 | 215 | 88.02 |
| Adam Gilchrist | 253 | 9,200 | 36.51 | 16 | 53 | 172 | 98.03 |