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Fastest Openers to Reach 9000 Runs in ODI Cricket History
Rohit Sharma Becomes the Fastest Opener to 9,000 Runs in ODI Cricket
In a high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan in Dubai, Rohit Sharma further cemented his place among cricketing greats. The Indian captain, renowned for his ability to break records, achieved a historic milestone—becoming the fastest opener to reach 9,000 runs in ODI cricket. Achieving this feat in just 181 innings, Sharma surpassed legendary names like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, redefining the art of opening in limited-overs cricket.
As the explosive right-hander continues to dominate white-ball cricket, let’s take a look at the top five cricketers who reached the 9,000-run milestone as an opener in the fewest innings.
Top Five Fastest Cricketers to 9,000 Runs as an Opener
5. Adam Gilchrist – 253 Innings
Adam Gilchrist, one of Australia’s most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters, revolutionized opening in ODI cricket with his fearless approach. The World Cup-winning opener reached the 9,000-run milestone in 253 innings. Over his career as an opener, he played 259 innings, amassing 9,200 runs at an average of 36.51.
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Centuries: 16
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Half-centuries: 53
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Highest Score: 172
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Strike Rate: 98.03
Gilchrist’s ability to attack bowlers from the very first ball changed the way openers approached the game. His aggressive batting style played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance in world cricket during his era.
4. Chris Gayle – 246 Innings
Chris Gayle, famously known as the ‘Universe Boss,’ brought unparalleled power to the opener’s role. Known for his six-hitting prowess, Gayle reached the 9,000-run landmark in 246 innings, making him one of the most dangerous ODI openers in history.
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Total Innings as Opener: 274
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Runs Scored: 10,179
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Average: 39.45
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Centuries: 25
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Half-centuries: 53
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Highest Score: 215
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Strike Rate: 88.02
Despite his attacking mindset leading to 23 ducks, Gayle’s presence alone was enough to intimidate bowlers. His record double century in the 2015 World Cup remains one of the greatest innings in ODI history.
3. Sourav Ganguly – 231 Innings
India’s ‘Dada’ combined aggression with elegance, forming some of the most iconic partnerships in Indian cricket history. Ganguly reached the 9,000-run mark in 231 innings, playing a vital role in shaping India’s ODI top order.
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Total Innings as Opener: 236
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Runs Scored: 9,146
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Average: 41.57
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Centuries: 19
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Half-centuries: 58
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Strike Rate: 73.59
Despite 13 ducks in his career, Ganguly’s ability to build innings and accelerate when needed made him an irreplaceable part of India’s ODI squad for years.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 197 Innings
The Master Blaster, widely regarded as the greatest ODI batter of all time, was the benchmark for openers before Rohit Sharma shattered his record. Tendulkar reached the milestone in just 197 innings, setting the stage for future generations of openers.
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Total Innings as Opener: 340
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Runs Scored: 15,310
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Average: 48.30
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Centuries: 45
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Half-centuries: 75
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Strike Rate: 88.05
Tendulkar’s technical brilliance and consistency made him a nightmare for bowlers. His highest score of 200* against South Africa in 2010 was the first double century in ODI history.
1. Rohit Sharma – 181 Innings
Rohit Sharma has rewritten history by becoming the fastest opener to score 9,000 ODI runs. Achieving the milestone in just 181 innings, Sharma has outclassed legends and solidified his reputation as one of the finest ODI batters of all time.
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Total Innings as Opener: 181
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Runs Scored: 9,019
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Average: 54.99
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Centuries: 30
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Half-centuries: 54
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Strike Rate: 90.00+ (approx.)
Sharma’s record-breaking feat came during India’s crucial Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan. Despite scoring a quick 20 off 15 balls, his legacy as an opener continues to shine.
Rohit Sharma’s incredible achievement in Dubai has set a new benchmark for ODI openers. As he continues to dominate the format, it will be exciting to see if any future cricketers can break his record. For more insights into Rohit Sharma’s records and milestones, check out this analysis.
For a detailed statistical breakdown of ODI batting records, visit ESPN Cricinfo.
