Leading 10 Indian Opening Batsmen by Highest Runs in Test Cricket

Facing the hard new red ball as an opener in Test cricket represents one of the most challenging tasks in the game. The scarcity of openers among the top run-getters is well-founded. Sir Alastair Cook holds the distinction of being the sole opener in the top five run-getters in Test cricket, with Sunil Gavaskar following closely at the 14th position.

Some of the greatest Test batters in the world of cricket have emerged from India, including Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Virender Sehwag.

However, the majority of these batting legends operated in the middle order. Despite typically boasting formidable batting lineups, Indian Test teams often encountered a vulnerability in the opener's slot. In the late 70s and 80s, Sunil Gavaskar, a cricket great, singularly carried his team while opening the batting. Chetan Chauhan served as Gavaskar's longest-standing opening partner in Test cricket, sharing the crease for 59 innings in the red-ball format. Chauhan offered valuable support for a brief period. Subsequently, Navjot Singh Sidhu joined the ranks, but for an extended duration, the focus shifted to the middle order, featuring stalwarts like Tendulkar and Azharuddin.

Virender Sehwag emerged and transformed the landscape of Indian cricket post-2000. Numerous openers followed in his footsteps, as he instilled the belief that scoring runs at the top of the order is not particularly challenging. Subsequently, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Rohit Sharma, and others entered the fray. Now, the question arises: among them, who has amassed the highest number of runs while opening the batting? This article compiles the top ten Test batters who have achieved the most runs as openers.

10. Chetan Chauhan- 2069 Runs

Gavaskar's enduring partner, the right-handed Chetan Chauhan, compiled 2069 runs in 67 Test innings, maintaining an average of 31.83. He also recorded 16 half-centuries during his Test career. Chauhan achieved his highest Test score of 97 runs in a match against Australia in January 1981. Positioned at the 10th spot on this list, Chetan, who represented India in Test cricket from 1969 to 1981, always earned recognition for his resilient approach.

9. Rohit Sharma- 2176 runs

Debuting as an opener in 2019 during the Test series at home against South Africa, Rohit Sharma has experienced a remarkable journey in his role as a red-ball cricket opener. His progression from facing challenges in securing a spot in the starting XI to becoming a vital component of the playing XI and ultimately leading the Test team highlights Rohit's capacity to thrive in diverse conditions against different types of bowling attacks. The 'Hitman' has amassed 2176 runs in 46 innings while batting as an opener.

8. Pankaj Roy- 2220 runs

In the opening position, Pankaj Roy accumulated 2220 runs in Tests for India. The late Indian cricketer participated in Test cricket for India from 1951 to 1960, securing 2220 runs in 74 innings at an average of 31.71.

The right-handed batter achieved 4 centuries and 9 fifties in Tests, attaining the highest score of 173 in a Test match against New Zealand in January 1956. He occupies the eighth position in this list.

7. Shikhar Dhawan- 2315 runs

The compilation also includes the out-of-favour Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan marked a memorable entry into the Test arena by scoring a hundred on debut against Australia while opening the innings. Throughout his career, the left-hander has exclusively operated as an opener in all Test matches.

The 35-year-old batsman has amassed 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 in 58 innings. Dhawan has recorded 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries in Tests. His highest Test score of 190 runs was attained in a game against Sri Lanka in July 2017. He made his last Test appearance in September 2018.

6. KL Rahul- 2551 runs

Securing the sixth position in this listicle is KL Rahul. As an opener, the Karnataka-based batsman has accumulated 2551 runs in Tests so far. Despite his active status as a cricketer, the emergence of top-order batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill suggests that his Test career as an opener has concluded, and he will now exclusively play in the middle order.

The right-handed batter debuted as an opener in January 2015, achieving a century in the encounter against Australia in Sydney. While opening, he produced several memorable hundreds on foreign soil. His highest individual score in Tests is 199 runs, accomplished in a Test match against England in December 2016.

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5. Navjot Singh Sidhu- 2911 runs

Securing the fifth position in this compilation is Navjot Singh Sidhu. The former opener amassed 2911 runs while opening for India. Playing Test matches for India from 1983 to 1999, the right-handed batsman achieved 2911 runs at an average of 42.81 in 69 Test innings as an opener.

Sidhu also produced 8 centuries and 15 half-centuries while batting as an opener. His highest individual score in Tests was 201 runs, attained in a match against West Indies in March 1997. Subsequently, he gained recognition as a renowned commentator.

4. Murali Vijay- 3880 runs

Considered one of India's more reliable openers, especially in away conditions, Murali Vijay participated in 105 Test innings during his career, with 100 of them as an opener. The right-handed batsman claimed the 4th position in this ranking by accumulating 3880 runs in 100 Test innings as an opener.

Maintaining a batting average of 39.19 as an opener, the Indian player also notched 12 centuries and 15 half-centuries in Tests, all of which came while he opened the innings for India. He achieved his highest individual score of 167 runs in a match against Australia in 2013. Vijay made his last Test appearance in 2018.

3. Gautam Gambhir- 4119 runs

Gambhir, one of the most successful openers for India in his era, accomplished the remarkable feat of attaining the number one rank in Test cricket in 2009, a distinction achieved by only a few Indian cricketers. The left-handed batsman participated in 104 Test innings throughout his career, with 101 of them as an opener. He amassed 4119 runs in these 101 innings as an opener at an average of 42.91.

The southpaw also scored 9 centuries and 22 half-centuries in Tests while operating as an opener. He achieved his highest individual score in Tests, a double century of 206 runs, against Australia in October 2008.

2. Virender Sehwag- 8207 runs

As mentioned earlier, Sehwag revolutionized the approach to playing Test cricket. His career strike rate of 82.2 demonstrates that he approached the red-ball game more akin to the white-ball game. Sehwag, a name that struck fear into the minds of bowlers, especially spinners, represented India in 104 Tests from 2001 to 2013. He primarily batted as an opener in 170 innings, accumulating 8207 runs at an impressive average of 50.04.

In Tests, the former opener also achieved 22 centuries and 30 half-centuries. His highest Test innings was a triple century of 319 runs, accomplished in a Test against South Africa in March 2008. He holds the second position on the list.

1. Sunil Gavaskar- 9607 runs

Fondly nicknamed the "Little Master," Gavaskar showcased exceptional skills and courage against the formidable West Indian attack of the 1970s and '80s, leaving an enduring impact on the game. With an illustrious international career spanning 16 years, the legendary batsman has made truly extraordinary contributions to Indian cricket.

Gavaskar's statistics eloquently highlight his batting prowess. In Test cricket, he played 125 matches and amassed an impressive 10,122 runs, comprising 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries. His hallmark was the ability to convert stars into significant scores. Since his debut in 1971, Gavaskar operated as an opener for India in 199 Tests until he concluded his test career in 1987. In 203 innings as an opener, the right-handed batsman accumulated 9607 runs at an average of 50.29.

Batting as an opener in Tests, he achieved 33 centuries and 42 half-centuries. His highest Test innings was an unbeaten 236 runs, and in the role of an opener, he reached a highest Test score of 221 runs.

Conclusion -

In conclusion, these top 10 Indian opening batsmen have left an indelible mark on Test cricket, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication. As we celebrate their achievements, stay connected to the live pulse of cricket with the Fast Live Line app and website. Experience real-time updates, scores, and expert insights, making you a true live line guru. Keep the spirit of the game alive by following every run, wicket, and record-breaking moment on the cricket live line. Download the Fast Live Line app or visit the website now for an immersive cricket experience.

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