Top 10 Best Openers In The World

The role of an opener is crucial in cricket. Opening the batting is one of the toughest tasks in the game. Openers face numerous challenges, such as dealing with the new ball and persistent bowling attacks.

While some believe it’s easy because openers can take advantage of field constraints, it requires immense skill and concentration. Some batsmen thrive under this pressure and become legends.

See More: Greatest ODI Cricket Records of All Time

Top 10 Best Openers in the World in ODI Cricket

Here are the top 10 best openers in the world in ODI cricket as of 2024:

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Topping the list of the world’s best openers, we have the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Known as the player who could play all the strokes, Tendulkar played both defensively and offensively with ease. In the early 1990s, Indian cricket was evolving. Sachin Tendulkar was a rising star but hadn’t yet shined in the top batting order.

During an important match in Auckland, regular opener Navjot Sidhu had a stiff neck, making him unable to play. Seizing this opportunity, captain Mohammad Azharuddin decided to send Tendulkar in as the opener. This decision changed everything. Tendulkar scored an explosive 82 off 49 balls in that match. This performance marked the beginning of his legendary career as an opener.

Before this change, Tendulkar had 3116 runs at an average of 33 in 119 matches. As an opener, he scored 15,310 runs at an average of 48.29 in 344 matches, including 45 of his 49 ODI hundreds. This shift not only boosted Tendulkar’s career but also had a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

The team’s strategy evolved, influenced by Azharuddin’s bold decision. Navjot Sidhu adapted to new roles and continued to support the team. Tendulkar’s incredible performances as an opener included many memorable matches and records. Azharuddin’s decision highlighted the importance of adaptability, seizing opportunities, and trusting young talent. 

Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “Little Master,” is widely regarded as the best opener in ODI cricket. Being the first player to score a double century in an ODI against South Africa, Tendulkar holds nearly every record in the book. In conclusion, making Tendulkar an opener was a pivotal moment in cricket history, showcasing the power of strategic leadership.

2. Sourav Ganguly 

Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most iconic cricketers, had an impressive career as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Over 236 innings as an opener, Ganguly scored 9146 runs with an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 73.59.

He achieved 19 centuries and 58 half-centuries, with his highest score being a remarkable 183. Despite facing 13 instances of getting out for a duck, Ganguly’s consistent performance at the top of the order played a significant role in many of India’s victories.

His ability to score heavily and his aggressive style made him one of the best openers in ODI history. Sourav Ganguly, an outstanding left-handed batsman, transformed the Indian cricket team’s fortunes. His partnerships with Tendulkar at the top were crucial for India’s success.

3. Matthew Hayden 

Matthew Hayden was a powerful presence in Australia’s batting lineup. Matthew Hayden, one of Australia’s finest cricketers, had an outstanding career as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 147 innings as an opener, scoring 5892 runs with an impressive average of 44.30 and a strike rate of 78.71.

During these innings, Hayden hit ten centuries and 33 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 181*. His powerful and consistent performances at the top of the order made him one of the most formidable openers in ODI history. Known for his combative attitude and commanding presence, Hayden was an essential part of Australia’s success, consistently providing strong starts.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya 

Sanath Jayasuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, had an outstanding career as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 383 innings as an opener, scoring 12,740 runs with an average of 34.62 and a strike rate of 92.48.

Jayasuriya hit 28 centuries and 66 half-centuries, with his highest score being 189. His explosive batting style and consistent performances at the top of the order made him one of the most formidable openers in ODI history. Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the role of an opener with his aggressive batting.

Jayasuriya’s explosive style helped Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup. His ability to dominate bowlers in the early overs made him one of the most influential openers.

5. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist, one of Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper-batsmen, had an exceptional career as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 259 innings as an opener, scoring 9,200 runs with an average of 36.51 and a strike rate of 98.03. Gilchrist hit 16 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with his highest score being 172. 

Known for his aggressive and dynamic batting style, Gilchrist’s performances at the top of the order were instrumental in many of Australia’s successes in ODI cricket. His ability to score quickly and consistently made him one of the most dangerous openers in the history of the game.

6. Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla, one of South Africa’s most prolific batsmen, had an outstanding career as an opener in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He is known for his calm and composed batting style. He played 175 innings as an opener, scoring 8,083 runs with an average of 49.90 and a strike rate of 88.66.

Amla hit 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries, with his highest score being 159. Amla holds the record for being the fastest to reach 2000, 3000, and 4000 ODI runs

Known for his elegant and composed batting style, Amla’s consistency and ability to build big innings at the top of the order made him one of the most reliable openers in ODI cricket history. His impressive performances significantly contributed to South Africa’s success in the format.

7. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, one of the most explosive batsmen in cricket history, had a remarkable career as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 274 innings as an opener, scoring 10,179 runs with an average of 39.45 and a strike rate of 88.02.

Gayle hit 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with his highest score being 215. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to dominate bowlers, Gayle’s performances at the top of the order were crucial for his team’s success. His ability to score quickly and amass big totals made him one of the most feared openers in ODI cricket.

Batsman	Matches	Innings	Not Out	100s	50s	0s	Runs	Average	S/R
Chris Gayle	287	274	16	25	53	23	10179	39.45	88.02

8. Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag, known for his explosive batting style and fearless approach, had an illustrious career as an opener in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 212 innings as an opener, scoring 7518 runs with an average of 36.50 and a remarkable strike rate of 104.71.

Sehwag registered 14 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with his highest score being an incredible 219. Renowned for his ability to dominate bowlers from the start, Sehwag’s aggressive batting laid the foundation for many successful innings for his team.

His remarkable strike rate, coupled with consistent run-scoring, made him one of the most devastating openers in ODI cricket history. His fearless approach changed the expectations of an opening batsman.

9. Saeed Anwar

Saeed Anwar was a stylish left-handed opener for Pakistan. He showcased remarkable prowess as an opener in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 220 innings as an opener, accumulating 8156 runs with an average of 39.98 and a strike rate of 79.94.

Anwar scored 20 centuries and 37 half-centuries, with his highest score being 194. Renowned for his elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings, Anwar’s contributions at the top of the order were invaluable for Pakistan.

His consistency and ability to build big innings made him one of the most reliable openers in ODI cricket. His record-breaking 194 against India was the highest individual score in ODIs for a long time.

10. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most prolific batsmen, has had an outstanding career as an opener in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He is known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to score big innings. He has played 173 innings as an opener, scoring 8,679 runs with an impressive average of 55.63 and a strike rate of 95.44.

Sharma has hit 29 centuries and 42 half-centuries, with his highest score being a record-breaking 264. Known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to score big runs, Sharma’s consistent performances at the top of the order have been crucial for India’s success.

His ability to dominate bowling attacks and convert starts into massive scores making him one of the best openers in ODI cricket history. His partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan have been crucial for India’s success.

Conclusion

The greatest openers in One Day International (ODI) cricket have had a huge impact on the game and their teams. These players scored heavily and redefined the role of an opener with their unique styles, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes and leaving a lasting legacy in ODI cricket.

These players have not only provided excellent starts for their teams but have also set numerous records and achieved great milestones in their careers. Their contributions have made them the best openers in the world of ODI cricket.