International Runs Openers hold a vital position in any batting lineup, regardless of the format. Their role goes beyond just scoring runs—they are also responsible for shielding the rest of the batting order from the new ball, which poses a greater wicket-taking threat compared to the softer, older ball.
India has a rich history of producing legendary openers who have been instrumental in the team’s dominance across formats.
let’s explore the top five Indian openers with the most runs in international cricket.
5. Shikhar Dhawan – 10,876 Runs
Shikhar Dhawan was one of India’s most consistent and underrated openers across all formats. He gained attention with a remarkable 187-run debut in Test cricket against Australia in Mohali in 2013.
Known for his outstanding performances in ICC tournaments, Dhawan was India’s top scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy, amassing 363 runs in five matches, including two centuries.
Dhawan retired in 2024, having scored 10,876 runs for India as an opener in all three formats at an average of 39.66, including 24 centuries.
4. Sunil Gavaskar – 12,258 Runs
One of India’s greatest Test openers, Sunil Gavaskar scored 12,258 runs at an impressive average of 46.08. Of these, 2,651 runs came in ODIs.
Gavaskar’s influence goes beyond his stats, as he inspired an entire generation of cricketers. He was also the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
He finished his career with 34 centuries and 67 half-centuries as an opener in international cricket.
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,335 Runs
There are few batting records where Sachin Tendulkar’s name isn’t mentioned. He scored 15,335 runs as an opener in international cricket, most of them (15,310 runs) in ODIs, with an average of 48.07, including 45 centuries.
Tendulkar’s career achievements are legendary, and he remains the only batsman to score 100 international centuries. He retired from international cricket in 2013.
2. Rohit Sharma – 15,404 Runs
Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of India’s most elegant and successful all-format openers. His career took a major turn when MS Dhoni promoted him to open in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Rohit later began opening in Test cricket in 2019, becoming a prominent figure in the format. To date, he has scored 15,404 runs as an opener across international cricket at an average of 45.43, with 44 centuries. He is also the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.
1. Virender Sehwag – 15,758 Runs
Virender Sehwag holds the record for being India’s highest run-scorer as an opener in international cricket, amassing 15,758 runs at an average of 41.9 across formats.
Initially starting his career as a middle-order batsman, Sehwag was promoted to open by captain Sourav Ganguly to provide aggressive starts.
Sehwag scored 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, with his highest score of 319 coming against South Africa in Chennai in Test cricket.