ODI cricket is the most popular format of the sport. Many players around the world dream of winning the ODI World Cup. The ODI cricket initially started as the only limited-over format with two innings comprising sixty overs each. Later on, as the game progressed, the format was reduced to fifty overs a side. The West Indies dominated the early years of ODI cricket when they won two consecutive World Cups in 1975 and 1979. Then, it was Australia who broke all the records winning five ODI World Cups, the most by any nation. The batters have enjoyed batting in the ODI format, especially after the introduction of two new balls in an innings. The openers are responsible for laying the foundation and here are the top 10 batters with the most runs as an opener in the ODIs.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
The greatest batter ever to grace the sport of cricket, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, was a former right-handed batter for India. The only batter with 100 international centuries, Tendulkar oozed class with every shot he played. His ability to start well and put the bowlers under pressure made him one of the best in the business. Also, a former skipper for the nation, Tendulkar led India in many major series. Although everyone witnessed his best game as a player and not a skipper, Tendulkar played some extraordinary knocks in his 24-year-long international career. As an opener in the ODIs, the great batting maestro scored 15310 runs at an average of 48.30.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the most attacking openers in cricket. The former Sri Lankan left-handed batter was a true delight to watch. His range of shots surprised many. One of the most consistent performers for the nation, Jayasuriya made his ODI debut against Australia in 1992 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Also, a handy left-arm orthodox spinner, Jayasuriya provided great balance to the team. He played 21 years for Sri Lanka and scored 13430 runs in his ODI career. The batter played with an attacking approach and put the opposition under pressure. He was also the former skipper for the nation and scored 12740 runs as an opener for Sri Lanka.
3. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, the x-factor for the West Indies and any team he played for, was born in 1979 in Jamaica. His unique style of attacking the bowlers made him one of the most memorable players in the sport's history. A true entertainer in every sense, Gayle believed became a beloved superstar of the game in no time. More successful in the shortest format, the southpaw was one of the most feared batters around the world. with a giant bat swing after clearing the front leg, the left-handed batter whacked many different bowlers down the ground. He played he ODI format for 20 years and scored 10179 runs as an opener.
4. Adam Gilchrist
The batter who redefined dominance and played like a champion every time he batted, Adam Gilchrist was one of the finest white-ball batters in the world. The former wicketkeeper and a left-handed batter for Australia made his mark very early in his career. The southpaw made his ODI debut against South Africa in 1996 and established himself as a promising youngster. His wicket-keeping skills were also unmatchable just like his dominant batting. He made 9200 runs as an opener in the ODIs.
5. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly was a former Indian skipper and a left-handed top-order batter. The captain brought an aggressive approach to the Indian team and loved dominating the opposition from the start. Ganguly was a very pleasing batter to watch, especially on the off-side. His on-the-up shots were a true delight to watch. He was also a handy right-arm medium bowler and picked up crucial wickets as well. Ganguly scored 9146 runs as an opener for India.
6. Desmond Haynes
Desmond Haynes was a former batter for the West Indies. He made his ODI debut against Australia in 1978 at home. The former right-handed batter was the opening partner of Gordon Greenidge and is regarded as one of the best openers for the nation. He scored 8648 runs in his career and all came while opening the innings. He retired from ODI cricket in 1994.
7. Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper across formats is one of the best batters in world cricket. He possesses the gift of timing and power at the same time. The right-handed batter is the leading six-hitter in international cricket. The Indian skipper made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2007. He started opening the innings in 2013 and has become India’s formidable opener ever since. Sharma has scored 8524 runs as an opener in the ODI format.
8. Tamim Iqbal
The left-handed opening batter for Bangladesh has proven to be one of the best for his country. His attacking stroke play has given Bangladesh a lot of memorable starts. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2007 and made his mark quite early in international cricket. Iqbal has scored 8357 runs in ODIs as an opener.
9. Saeed Anwar
Saeed Anwar was a former left-handed opening batter for Pakistan. Widely regarded as one of the best openers to ever play for Pakistan, the southpaw made his ODI debut against the West Indies in 1989. Anwar is one of the few batters in ODI cricket to score three consecutive hundreds in the format. He achieved the feat by smashing tons against Sri Lanka, West Indies, and then again Sri Lanka in the `1993 Champions Trophy. He scored 8156 runs as an opener in the ODIs.
10. Hashim Amla
The right-handed opening batter for South Africa was one of the best openers in the nation. His immaculate timing and pin-point placements left the bowlers annoyed. Hashim Amla was a former Protea, who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2008. One of the batting prodigies in world cricket, Amla was one of a kind when batted in full flow. He made 8083 as an opener in the ODIS.
