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Why Rohit Sharma Is Considered One of the Greatest Openers

  • Royal Stag Fan

  • 10 April 2025

Rohit Sharma, popularly known as the "Hitman," has solidified his position as one of the best openers in cricket with his unmatched consistency, elegant stroke play, and ability to score massive runs across formats. His transformation from a middle-order batsman to a dominant opener changed the course of Indian cricket, leading to numerous memorable victories. From setting records in ODIs and T20Is to excelling in Test cricket, Rohit Sharma has proven time and again why he is regarded as one of the finest cricketers of his generation.

Rohit Sharma’s Journey: From a Young Talent to a Cricketing Icon

Rohit Sharma’s rise in cricket was not instantaneous but rather a testament to perseverance, skill, and adaptability. Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, he first showed glimpses of his potential in domestic cricket. He made his List A debut in the Deodhar Trophy in 2005, playing for the West Zone. His impressive performances caught the selectors’ attention, earning him a place in the India opener batsman list for future international prospects.

His domestic performances, including strong showings in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, reinforced his credibility. Rohit’s technical prowess and ability to play both pace and spin made him a standout player.

The turning point in Rohit Sharma's career came in 2013 when he was promoted as an opener in limited-overs cricket. His elevation to the top order proved to be a masterstroke, as he started piling up massive scores with ease. His ability to pace an innings, accelerate at will, and counter fast bowlers made him a force to be reckoned with.

Since taking on the opening role, Rohit Sharma as opener has set numerous records, including scoring three double centuries in ODIs, a feat unmatched in world cricket. His breathtaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in One Day Internationals. This knock was a testament to his skill, patience, and destructive hitting ability, making him an integral part of the India opener batsman list for years to come.

Rohit Sharma in International Cricket

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

Rohit Sharma’s ODI career is adorned with extraordinary milestones. He has scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs, becoming one of India's most dependable batters. His records include:

  • Most runs as opener in all formats for India since 2013.
  • The only batsman to score three double centuries in ODIs
  • Five centuries in a single World Cup edition (2019), the most by any player in a single tournament.
  • Leading run-scorer in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup with 648 runs.

Test Cricket

Despite being known as a white-ball maestro, Rohit Sharma has also excelled in Test cricket. He cemented his place as an opener for the red ball squad in 2019. His key performances include:

  • 212 vs. South Africa (2019): This innings at Ranchi silenced critics who doubted his Test credentials. It showcased his adaptability and ability to play long innings.
  • 161 vs. England (2021): On a tough Chennai pitch, where others struggled, Rohit played a match-winning knock, proving his class in challenging conditions.
  • 127 vs. England at The Oval (2021): His maiden overseas century was a crucial innings that helped India take a lead in the series.

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

Rohit Sharma has been a stalwart in T20Is, holding several records:

  • Most T20I centuries (5) – Joint record holder.
  • Fastest T20I century by an Indian – 35 balls against Sri Lanka.
  • Most sixes in T20I cricket (502+).
  • Led India to several bilateral series wins as captain.

Rohit Sharma in ICC and Domestic Tournaments

Domestic Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s journey began in domestic cricket, where he impressed early on with big scores in the Ranji Trophy. His performances for Mumbai laid the foundation for his international career.

ICC Champions Trophy (2013)

Rohit played a crucial role as an opener in India's victorious campaign, forming a formidable partnership with Shikhar Dhawan. His contributions at the top ensured India’s dominance in the tournament.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

As captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma has led the franchise to five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020), making them the most successful team in IPL history. His leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have been key to Mumbai’s success.

Who Is the Best Opener in the World?

Debates over who is the best opener in the world often feature Rohit Sharma’s name. With an unparalleled ability to score runs across formats, he has outperformed many of his contemporaries. His blend of classical technique and modern power-hitting places him among the best openers in cricket history.

Rohit Sharma’s impact as an opener has been profound. His records speak volumes about his consistency and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. With each passing tournament, Rohit led India to yet another ICC title, further cementing his legacy.

Also Read - The LARGE Achievements of Rohit Sharma's T20 Career: Ranking, Feats, and More

Conclusion: A Symbol of Hope for Future Cricketers

Rohit Sharma’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and transformation. His records, leadership, and ability to perform on the biggest stages make him an all-time great. Whether it’s ODIs, T20Is, or Test cricket, Rohit Sharma has excelled as an opener, redefining the role with his elegant yet explosive batting style.

Rohit Sharma’s remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers, proving that dedication and perseverance can turn struggles into success. His journey from a young boy playing cricket in the streets of Mumbai to leading India on the world stage is a testament to the power of hard work and ambition.

In partnership with Royal Stag Fan platform, Rohit Sharma continues to inspire millions. His story is far from over, and as he continues to break records, the legend of Rohit Sharma will only grow stronger in the years to come. Today, he is not just a name in cricket; he is a symbol of determination, excellence, and inspiration for future generations.