Rohit Sharma Breks Sehwag Record Indian Opener
India secured a commanding victory over Afghanistan in Chennai, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The triumph was powered by historic batting milestones from opening duo Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who rebrandished India’s top-order record books during a clinical run chase.
Key Highlights
- Rohit Sharma became India’s highest run-scoring opening batter in international cricket, eclipsing Virender Sehwag’s long-standing tally.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a blistering century, becoming the fastest Indian to score two ODI hundreds by doing so in just six innings.
- Rohit also moved into third place for the most 50-plus scores by an Indian in ODI history, surpassing Rahul Dravid.
- The opening pair forged a dominant 170-run partnership to ensure a flawless pursuit of Afghanistan’s 219-run target.
Rohit now holds the record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter as an opener in international cricket. He has 16,137 runs to his name, surpassing Virender Sehwag (16,119).
Rohit Sharma opened the innings for India in the third ODI against Afghanistan on Saturday (June 20, 2026) and played a knock of 79 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He faced 69 balls during his stay at the crease, smashing nine fours and three sixes.
Rohit shared a 170-run opening partnership in 22.5 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal (110 off 86 balls) during Indiaβs chase of 219 and, in the process, broke the record for the most runs scored by an Indian opener in international cricket.
Rohit, who has opened the batting for India in all three formats, now has 16,137 runs in 386 innings from 361 international matches as an opener. He has surpassed Virender Sehwag, who finished his career with 16,119 runs in 400 innings from 332 matches as an opening batter.
During his playing days, apart from representing the Indian menβs cricket team, Sehwag also played for Asia XI and ICC XI.
The overall record for the most runs in international cricket as an opening batter belongs to former Sri Lanka captain and legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya opened the innings in 506 matches across formats for Sri Lanka and Asia XI, scoring 19,298 runs in 563 innings.
Jayasuriya is followed by Chris Gayle, David Warner, and Graeme Smith, who scored 18,867, 18,744, and 16,950 runs respectively as openers in international cricket. Rohit is now fifth on the list with 16,137 runs.
Rohit, who made his international debut for India in an ODI against Ireland in Belfast on June 23, 2007, has scored 2,697 runs as an opener in 38 Tests, 9,690 runs in 198 ODIs, and 3,750 runs in 125 T20Is.
Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more ODI runs for India as an opening batter than Rohit.
Jaiswal breaks Dhawanβs record
The 23-year-old left-hander enjoyed a magnificent return to the one-day side, displaying immense composure to bring up his milestone in spectacular style. Jaiswal reached his second ODI hundred in just his six innings, making him the fastest Indian batter to score two centuries in the format. He surpassed Shikhar Dhawan, who achieved the feat in seven innings back in 2013.
He reached his half-century in 38 balls, keeping the pressure firmly on the opposition. Jaiswal brought up his century in the 29th over against Mohammad Nabi, hitting a six over extra cover before wrapping up the chase swiftly. He now moves ahead of Dhawan, Kedar Jadhav, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill for the fewest innings taken to hit two ODI centuries for India.
Rohit adds more records to his collection
Beyond overtaking Sehwag’s international opening record, Rohit’s fluid 79-run knock added another feather to his cap. He officially moved past Rahul Dravid to claim sole possession of the third spot for the most 50-plus scores by an Indian batsman in ODI history.
Rohit has now registered 95 scores of fifty or more in the 50-over format. He trails only Sachin Tendulkar (145) and Virat Kohli (131) on the all-time national leaderboard. This milestone responds definitively to external discussions surrounding top-order selection pressure, cementing his enduring value alongside Jaiswal.
Statistical Breakdown of Opening Legends
The table below outlines the elite company Rohit Sharma has joined on the global stage, ranking the highest run-scoring opening batsmen in international cricket history across all formats.
Evolution of India’s Opening Greats
India’s cricketing history is defined by transformative opening batsmen who altered the tempo of international cricket. Sunil Gavaskar pioneered standard defensive resilience over 202 matches as an opener, scoring 12,258 runs. Sachin Tendulkar later revolutionized the role in white-ball cricket, amassing 15,335 runs at the top of the order.
Virender Sehwag redefined traditional boundaries by injecting ultra-aggressive strokeplay, scoring 16,119 opening runs at an unprecedented strike rate. Rohit Sharma’s ascent to the top of this list represents a fusion of these eras, combining technical mastery with modern power-hitting across all three formats.
FAQs
Who holds the record for the most runs as an opener in international cricket?
The overall global record belongs to former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored 19,298 runs in 563 innings as an opening batter.
How many runs has Rohit Sharma scored as an opener across formats?
Rohit Sharma has accumulated 16,137 international runs as an opener, which includes 2,697 runs in Tests, 9,690 runs in ODIs, and 3,750 runs in T20Is.
Which record did Yashasvi Jaiswal break during the match against Afghanistan?
Yashasvi Jaiswal became the fastest Indian batter to score two ODI centuries, achieving the feat in just six innings to break Shikhar Dhawan’s previous record of seven innings.
Where does Rohit Sharma rank for the most 50-plus scores by an Indian in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma ranks third with 95 fifty-plus scores in ODIs, moving past Rahul Dravid (94). He trails only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
