Top 10 Greatest Opening Batsmen in ODI Cricket History
The Pantheon of ODI Openers: The 10 Greatest of All Time
They face the new ball. They confront the freshest bowlers. They set the tone for the entire innings.
Opening batsmen in One Day International cricket have arguably the most demanding job in the sport. Stepping out to face a brand-new ball with its pronounced seam and hardened surface, they navigate the toughest conditions while under immense pressure to provide a strong start.
But who did it best? Who are the greatest ODI opening batsmen of all time?
I’ve dived deep into the stats, memorable performances, and lasting impact of cricket’s elite openers to bring you this definitive ranking. Whether you’re a cricket nerd who loves the numbers or just a casual fan looking to reminisce about the greats, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s settle this debate once and for all!
The Evolution of Opening in ODIs
The role of ODI openers has transformed dramatically since the format’s early days.
In the 1970s and 80s, openers primarily focused on safely seeing off the new ball, protecting their wicket, and setting a foundation for the middle order. It was cricket at its most traditional—careful, methodical, and sometimes, let’s be honest, a bit dull.
Everything changed in the early 1990s with the introduction of fielding restrictions (powerplays). These new rules incentivized aggression, with fewer fielders allowed outside the inner circle in the early overs.
The 1992 World Cup proved to be a watershed moment when New Zealand deployed Mark Greatbatch as an attacking opener. His fearless approach showed the cricketing world what was possible when you threw caution to the wind from ball one.
Fast forward to today, and T20 cricket has pushed the boundaries even further. Modern ODI openers are expected to capitalize on the powerplay overs with boundary-hitting from the get-go while still having the skills to build big innings.
How We Ranked the Greatest Openers
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about what makes a truly great ODI opener. I considered several factors:
- Consistency and longevity – The ability to perform at a high level over many years
- Strike rate and impact – Setting the tone and putting bowling attacks under pressure
- Big match performances – Stepping up when it matters most, especially in World Cups
- Adaptability – Scoring runs across different conditions and against various bowling attacks
With these criteria in mind, here’s my countdown of the 10 greatest ODI opening batsmen of all time.
10. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies)
Key Stats: 5,134 runs, 45.03 average, 85.41 strike rate, 11 centuries
We start our list with one of cricket’s original demolition men. Gordon Greenidge was a cornerstone of the dominant West Indies teams that won the first two Cricket World Cups in 1975 and 1979.
What made Greenidge special was his combination of classical technique and raw power. When he got going, bowlers had nowhere to hide. His aggressive approach was ahead of its time, setting the template for future generations of Caribbean batsmen.
Greenidge’s partnership with Desmond Haynes remains legendary—they complemented each other perfectly and set the standard for opening partnerships in the early decades of ODI cricket.
“When Gordon Greenidge got going, it was like trying to stop a runaway train.” – Former England captain Mike Brearley
9. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Key Stats: 10,151 runs, 37.05 average, 86.53 strike rate, 25 centuries, 330+ sixes
Known as “The Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle brought an unmatched swagger to the top of the order. His ability to clear boundaries at will made him one of the most destructive openers in cricket history.
The stats tell the story: Gayle holds the record for the most sixes in ODI cricket, having cleared the ropes over 330 times. His 215 against Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup (with a record-equaling 16 sixes) showcased his ridiculous hitting power on the biggest stage.
What’s often overlooked about Gayle is his longevity—he maintained his six-hitting prowess across two decades at the international level. When in form, there was simply no bowler on the planet who could contain him.
8. Saeed Anwar (Pakistan)
Key Stats: 8,156 runs, 33.42 average, 79.93 strike rate, 20 centuries
If cricket were judged purely on aesthetics, Saeed Anwar might top this list. The elegant Pakistani left-hander made batting look effortless, with his graceful wristwork and timing that bordered on the poetic.
For years, Anwar held the record for the highest individual ODI score with his majestic 194 against India in 1997—a knock that had even Indian fans applauding.
What made Anwar special wasn’t just his strokeplay but his ability to score big when it mattered. His three consecutive centuries in Sharjah in 1993 still stand as one of ODI cricket’s great achievements.
His trademark flick off the legs and precise driving through the covers made him not just effective but a joy to watch.
7. Rohit Sharma (India)
Key Stats: 10,300 runs, 40.55 average, 91.79 strike rate, 29 centuries
If this list were made a few years from now, “The Hitman” might rank even higher. Rohit Sharma’s rise as an ODI opener represents one of cricket’s great career transformations.
Sharma holds a record that seems almost unbelievable: three double centuries in ODIs (264, 209, and 208*). To put that in perspective, no other batsman has more than one. His 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI history.
The 2019 World Cup saw Sharma at his peak, scoring an unprecedented five centuries in a single tournament. His elegant six-hitting ability combined with remarkable patience makes him the perfect modern opener.
“When Rohit Sharma bats like this, there is no better sight in cricket.” – Former India captain Sourav Ganguly during Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka
6. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
Key Stats: 6,133 runs, 43.50 average, 80.45 strike rate, 10 centuries
Matthew Hayden brought intimidation to the art of opening batting. The physically imposing Australian didn’t just want to score runs—he wanted to dominate bowlers mentally.
A key member of Australia’s golden era, Hayden was crucial to their World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. His partnership with Adam Gilchrist terrorized bowling attacks worldwide, often putting games beyond opposition reach within the first 15 overs.
Hayden’s strength was his front-foot game and ability to hit through the line. When he stepped down the pitch to fast bowlers, you knew something explosive was about to happen. His aggression set the platform for Australia’s middle order to flourish during their era of dominance.
5. Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Key Stats: 8,082 runs, 49.70 average, 89.12 strike rate, 27 centuries
In an era dominated by power-hitting, Hashim Amla showed that classical technique and temperament still had a place at the top of the order. The South African master was a run-accumulating machine with an insatiable appetite for big scores.
Amla holds the record for being the fastest batsman to reach 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 ODI runs—a testament to his remarkable consistency. His average of 49.70 is the highest among the players on this list.
What made Amla special was his wristy elegance and ability to score all around the wicket without appearing to take risks. He proved that you don’t need to slog to score quickly in modern ODI cricket—perfect timing and placement work just as well.
4. Virender Sehwag (India)
Key Stats: 7,518 runs, 35.46 average, 104.71 strike rate, 14 centuries
If cricket had rock stars, Virender Sehwag would be at the top of the charts. The Indian opener redefined fearlessness at the crease with his “see ball, hit ball” philosophy.
Sehwag’s strike rate of 104.71 tells you everything you need to know about his approach—he attacked from ball one regardless of the match situation, bowler, or conditions. His 219 against the West Indies in 2011 was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
What set Sehwag apart was his utter disdain for conventional wisdom. While coaches worldwide preached caution against the new ball, Sehwag was busy dispatching it to all parts of the ground. He brought Test match shot-making to the ODI arena and forever changed India’s approach to white-ball batting.
“Sehwag made batting look like the easiest thing in the world. Even his defensive shots went to the boundary.” – Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting
3. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Key Stats: 13,430 runs, 32.36 average, 91.20 strike rate, 28 centuries, 270+ sixes
Before there was Sehwag or Gayle, there was Sanath Jayasuriya—the original ODI revolutionary. The Sri Lankan changed the game forever during the 1996 World Cup, showing what was possible when you attacked from the very first ball.
Alongside Romesh Kaluwitharana, Jayasuriya transformed the first 15 overs from a cautious period of play into a weapon of mass destruction. Their approach forced captains worldwide to rethink their strategies.
What’s remarkable about Jayasuriya is that he maintained his aggressive approach throughout a 22-year international career, amassing over 13,000 runs as an opener. His ability to clear the infield with his unorthodox yet effective strokeplay made him nearly impossible to set fields for.
Jayasuriya wasn’t just a slogger—he was a pioneer who changed how we think about the first powerplay in ODI cricket.
2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
Key Stats: 9,200 runs, 36.51 average, 98.03 strike rate, 16 centuries
Is there anything more terrifying for a bowler than Adam Gilchrist in full flow? The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman redefined what was possible for an opener in ODI cricket.
Gilchrist’s greatest attribute was his impact. His aggressive starts put immense pressure on bowling attacks right from the outset. When he got going, Australia’s win percentage skyrocketed.
His finest hour came in the 2007 World Cup final when he smashed 149 off just 104 balls against Sri Lanka, essentially securing the trophy before the opposition had a chance to settle.
What made Gilchrist special wasn’t just his batting but his dual role—he kept wickets for 50 overs and then came out to launch the innings. This all-round contribution gave Australia a massive tactical advantage throughout their golden era.
“Gilly at his best was a nightmare. He would be 30 off 20 balls before you realized what had happened.” – Former England bowler Darren Gough
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Key Stats: 15,310 runs, 48.29 average, 86.23 strike rate, 45 centuries, 75 fifties
Was there ever any doubt? Sachin Tendulkar stands alone at the summit of ODI opening batsmen.
The numbers are staggering: 15,310 runs as an opener, 45 centuries, an average of 48.29 over a 23-year international career. But Tendulkar’s greatness transcends statistics.
What makes him the ultimate ODI opener is his adaptability across eras. He began in the early 1990s when 250 was considered a winning total and continued to dominate well into the power-hitting era of the 2010s. His technique was near-perfect, allowing him to excel against both pace and spin across all conditions.
Tendulkar’s move to opening in 1994 (where he smashed 82 off 49 balls against New Zealand) proved to be a career-defining moment. His “Desert Storm” innings in Sharjah in 1998 against Australia remains one of cricket’s most iconic performances.
In 2010, he became the first male player to score a double century in ODIs with his memorable 200* against South Africa. And in 2011, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by helping India win the World Cup on home soil.
Beyond the numbers and achievements, Tendulkar’s greatest legacy is how he carried the hopes of a billion people every time he walked out to bat. No player has shouldered more pressure or delivered more consistently.
The Little Master isn’t just the greatest ODI opener—he’s the benchmark against which all batsmen are measured.
The Final Verdict – Who is the Greatest?
While ranking these ten phenomenal opening batsmen is inherently subjective, Sachin Tendulkar’s combination of longevity, consistency, and impact makes him the obvious choice for the number one spot.
Adam Gilchrist and Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the approach to opening with their aggressive intent, while Virender Sehwag took that aggression to another level with his fearless approach and remarkable strike rate.
The elegant consistency of Hashim Amla, the power of Matthew Hayden, and Rohit Sharma’s ability to score massive individual innings all showcase different yet equally effective approaches to opening.
Saeed Anwar’s stylish elegance, Chris Gayle’s six-hitting prowess, and Gordon Greenidge’s pioneering aggression round out our list of all-time greats.
Looking to the future, players like Babar Azam and Shubman Gill show tremendous potential to eventually join this illustrious group. Their continued performance in major tournaments and ability to maintain high standards over time will determine whether they can earn a place among the pantheon of ODI opening greats.
Who’s your pick for the greatest ODI opener of all time? Did I miss anyone who deserves to be on this list? Let me know in the comments!
Comparison of the Top 10 ODI Openers
| Rank | Player | Matches | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 340 | 48.29 | 86.23 | 45 | 75 |
| 2 | Adam Gilchrist | 259 | 36.51 | 98.03 | 16 | 53 |
| 3 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 433 | 32.36 | 91.20 | 28 | 68 |
| 4 | Virender Sehwag | 212 | 35.46 | 104.71 | 14 | 35 |
| 5 | Hashim Amla | 178 | 49.70 | 89.12 | 27 | 33 |
| 6 | Matthew Hayden | 150 | 43.50 | 80.45 | 10 | 36 |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | 254 | 40.55 | 91.79 | 29 | 48 |
| 8 | Saeed Anwar | 244 | 33.42 | 79.93 | 20 | 43 |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | 274 | 37.05 | 86.53 | 25 | 53 |
| 10 | Gordon Greenidge | 127 | 45.03 | 85.41 | 11 | 31 |
You May Also Like
Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Scorecard - IPL 2025
The Evolution of Indian Cricket Captaincy: From Kapil to Rohit
Hardik Pandya: The Powerhouse All-Rounder Redefining Indian Cricket
KL Rahul: The Stylish Batter with a Classic Touch
Rishabh Pant: The X-Factor of Indian Cricket
