The role of the pair of batsmen that start off the batting innings is the most important one in the game of cricket. It is pretty much a simple equation: if the opening batsmen score well on the field without getting sent to the pavilion, the chances of the team winning significantly increase in the match. That’s the main reason why every cricket team in the world launches a killer bowling attack at the start of the match to crumble the opposition’s batting lineup.
And did you know that India’s team had some of the best opening batsmen of all time in the history of cricket? Well, that’s why the center topic of today’s post, is where we will be getting to know the top ten best opening batsmen in India of all time. So yeah, get ready for that because it is going to be a lot of fun. Let’s get down to it then. Shall we?
List of Best Opening Batsman In India Ever
1. Sourav Ganguly
Our beloved Dada, Sourav Ganguly, a real cricket master, played the game with a unique charisma that continues to charm us even from the commentator’s box. As the Indian cricket team captain, his leadership resulted in an unparalleled winning streak, taking the team to the World Cup final in 2003. His batting skills were nothing short of extraordinary, earning him a place among cricket’s best with a total of 11,363 runs in ODIs, that’s the ninth-highest globally. The Prince of Kolkata was known for his precise timing and powerful off-side drives, and his partnership with Sachin Tendulkar was nothing short of iconic. His contribution to Indian cricket is unmatched and will remain an inspiration for generations to come.
2. Sunil Gavaskar
As true cricket lovers, we can all agree that Sunil Gavaskar was a true pioneer of Indian cricket. Don’t you think? From 1971 to 1987, his exploits on the field and his special playing style made him one of the game’s most respected figures in the country. He was the first Indian batsman to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket, and his ability to face the fastest bowlers on the planet with grace and courage is still admired. His highest score of 236 runs in a single innings is a testament to his exceptional talent. And only a few people know that Sunil Gavaskar once served as the Sheriff of Mumbai, showing his dedication to public service.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
The God of Indian Cricket needs to know the introduction, but still, let’s talk about some of his achievements as an incredible opening batsman for the team India. This guy is a legend and that’s putting it mildly. His 24-year-long career was the stuff of dreams, filled with record-shattering performances. Sachin holds the record for the highest runs in ODIs and Test cricket. This “Master Blaster” helped India win the 2011 Cricket World Cup, bringing pure joy to countless fans. He was even named “Player of the Tournament” in the 2003 World Cup, proving that he’s not one to shy away from the spotlight. Scoring an incredible 15,310 runs in 344 games, Sachin truly is one of the greats.
4. Virender Sehwag
And here’s the man who took aggressive batting to the next level, Virender Sehwag. This Delhi lad truly shook things up on the field with his hard-hitting batting style. Sehwag was instrumental in India’s victory at the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2007 T20 World Cup, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. With records like the highest individual Test score, fastest triple century, and fastest 250, his name will forever echo in the hallways of cricket history. The experts of cricket and his teammates have said many times that there will never be another player like Sehwag ever.
5. Rohit Sharma
Next on the list, we’ve got the current opening batsman of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma. This Mumbaikar is known for his grace and elegance at the crease, making batting look like a cakewalk. Whether it’s the Indian team, Mumbai Indians in the IPL, or Mumbai in domestic cricket, Sharma always brings his A-game. Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians bagged an impressive five IPL titles. And let’s not forget his record-shattering 264 runs in an ODI match, no one else has even come close! He is also the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.
6. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir is more than just an ex-cricketer. He’s a commentator, a politician, and a legend in the world of cricket. People remember him for his gutsy determination and his strokes that could turn a game on its head. He started his journey with the One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2003, and boy, did he rise quickly! Under his leadership in six ODIs, India never tasted defeat. His pivotal role in the 2007 World Twenty20 and 2011 Cricket World Cup will be remembered forever. And let’s not forget his incredible achievements like scoring hundreds in five straight Test matches and racking up over 300 runs in four consecutive Test series. With 4119 runs in Tests and 3367 runs in ODIs, Gambhir stands tall among India’s best opening batsmen.
7. Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth is an ace opening batsman who’s held positions of power, like being the chairman of the selection committee, and who can forget his crucial role in the glorious 1983 Cricket World Cup? His aggressive batting style brought a breath of fresh air to Indian cricket. As a commentator on Star Sports Tamil, his deep knowledge of the game enriches the viewer’s experience. He’s the proud recipient of the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, but his real achievement lies in the hearts of his fans who adore his unique playing style. His fearless approach against big names like the West Indies, Australia, and England has left a lasting legacy.
8. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, the cricketer turned politician and TV personality, has always been a bundle of energy. Known for his big hits on the field, Sidhu’s life post-cricket has been equally exciting. After retiring, Sidhu has been seen lighting up TV screens on comedy shows and reality programs, including the popular Comedy Nights With Kapil. Despite the ups and downs, Sidhu’s cricketing achievements remain remarkable. With impressive stats, including four centuries and fifteen half-centuries in ODIs and eight centuries and fifteen half-centuries in Tests, Sidhu’s batting legacy is rock-solid. His top score of 201 against the West Indies stands as a testament to his incredible determination, making him one of the best opening batsmen India has ever seen.
9. Pankaj Roy
Pankaj Roy, a legend of Indian cricket, was a brilliant opening batsman and an effective leader. His most memorable achievement is a record-breaking 413-run opening stand, a record that stood for decades. Beyond cricket, Pankaj showcased his public spirit as the Sheriff of Kolkata. He received the prestigious Padma Shri award for his services to the sport. His elegant batting style, including late cuts and stylish cover drives, wowed spectators. With a total of 2,220 runs in 74 Test matches, including a high score of 173 against New Zealand, Pankaj left an unforgettable mark on Indian cricket.
10. Shikhar Dhawan
Dhawan is left handed batsman, he made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to hit back-to-back centuries. Making his debut in ODIs in 2010 and Tests in 2013, both against Australia, he announced his arrival in style. Dhawan registered the fastest century by any batsman on debut in Test cricket, scoring 187 runs off just 174 balls. His batting artillery, filled with power-packed square cuts and eye-pleasing cover drives, has left bowlers scratching their heads. With an impressive total of 6672 runs in ODIs, including 17 centuries, and 2315 runs in Test matches, Shikhar Dhawan is firmly etched as one of the best opening batsmen in Indian cricket history.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are the all-time favorites and best Indian opening batsmen in the history of cricket. Many opening batsmen will come and go, but these ten will be remembered for generations to come because each of them has done something remarkable on the field. Hopefully, there are many more gems like these to come, but only time will tell that.
Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
