Rohit Sharma Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Opening Record

Rohit Sharma became the fastest batter to 10,000 ODI runs as an opener after reaching the landmark during India’s third and final ODI against West Indies at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, in New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3.

The India opener needed just two runs to enter the elite club, having finished the second ODI on 9,998 runs in 201 innings as an opener across 203 ODI matches. His latest milestone also saw him surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s mark to reach 10,000 runs in fewer innings.

Rohit became only the second Indian and the fourth batter overall to reach 10,000 ODI runs as an opener. He joined Tendulkar, Sri Lanka great Sanath Jayasuriya and West Indies legend Chris Gayle on the list.

Rohit Sharma joins elite list of ODI openers

Tendulkar remains the leading run-scorer in ODI cricket as an opener, having amassed 15,310 runs in 344 innings between 1994 and 2012.

Jayasuriya is second with 12,740 runs from 383 innings, while Gayle finished his career with 10,179 runs in 274 innings.

Rohit reached the 10,000-run mark in his 202nd innings as an opener, making him the fastest batter to the milestone.

| Batter | ODI runs as opener | Innings |
|—|—:|—:|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 15,310 | 344 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 12,740 | 383 |
| Chris Gayle | 10,179 | 274 |
| Rohit Sharma | 10,000+ | 202 |

Rohit’s latest achievement adds another landmark to a West Indies series that has already been significant for the veteran opener. He scored a century in the second ODI before completing 12,000 ODI runs.

India lose Gill and Kohli early

The milestone came during a difficult start for India after captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first.

India lost two wickets in quick succession, with Gill dismissed for one before Virat Kohli was bowled for a golden duck.

Jayden Seales struck twice in consecutive overs. Gill was caught by Shai Hope down the leg side in the third over, while Kohli was bowled through the gate by Seales with the next delivery.

Ruturaj Gaikwad then joined Rohit in the middle as India looked to rebuild after the early setbacks.

India made three changes to their XI from the previous game, with Anshul Kamboj making his ODI debut. The hosts had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.