Rohit Sharma approaches Sachin Tendulkar's total in the elite openers club against India


Rohit Sharma is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone as he inches closer to surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer among Indian openers in international cricket. Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport, accumulated 15,335 runs from 346 matches at an impressive average of 48.07. Rohit, at 37 years old, is just 50 runs away from eclipsing Tendulkar’s tally, having amassed 15,285 runs from 342 matches at an average of 45.22. This sets up a potential historic moment in the ongoing ODI series against England, where Rohit will have the opportunity to surpass his idol in the second game, scheduled to take place at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9.

While Rohit is closing in on Tendulkar’s record, he still has a considerable distance to cover before overtaking Virender Sehwag, who currently holds the top position among Indian openers with 15,758 runs from 321 matches at an average of 41.90. Given Rohit’s ability to score big runs once he finds his rhythm, it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could surpass Sehwag in the near future as well.

Beyond the Indian context, Rohit Sharma currently sits in eighth place on the list of most runs scored by an opener in international cricket. The all-time record is held by Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya, who amassed a staggering 19,298 runs across 506 matches during his illustrious career. Other legendary names in the top ranks include Chris Gayle, David Warner, Graeme Smith, and Desmond Haynes, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the game. Among active cricketers, only Warner and Rohit continue to add to their tally, making their presence in this elite list even more significant as they have the chance to climb further up the rankings.

Here’s a closer look at the leading run-scorers among international openers:

  • Sanath Jayasuriya – 19,298 runs from 506 matches
  • Chris Gayle – 18,867 runs from 441 matches
  • David Warner – 18,744 runs from 374 matches
  • Graeme Smith – 16,950 runs from 342 matches
  • Desmond Haynes – 16,120 runs from 354 matches
  • Virender Sehwag – 16,119 runs from 332 matches
  • Sachin Tendulkar – 15,335 runs from 346 matches
  • Rohit Sharma – 15,285 runs from 342 matches

Despite being on the verge of a historic milestone, Rohit Sharma has been enduring a rough patch with the bat, raising concerns about his form just ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19. His recent performances have been far from his best, and he has struggled to convert his starts into substantial scores, which has put pressure on India’s top order.

The Indian captain had a forgettable tour of Australia, where he failed to make a significant impact. His inconsistency led to scrutiny over his place in the Test side, and he even pulled out of the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His struggles continued in domestic cricket, where he failed to deliver a notable performance in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Jammu & Kashmir.

The disappointment did not end there, as his lean patch persisted in the first ODI of the ongoing series against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Rohit could only manage two runs off seven balls before being dismissed cheaply by England pacer Saqib Mahmood. His dismissal early in the innings put India on the back foot, and his prolonged lack of runs has started to raise concerns among fans and experts alike.

With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the Indian team management will be hoping that Rohit can rediscover his touch and return to his dominant form. The upcoming ODIs against England provide him with a crucial opportunity to get back among the runs and regain confidence before heading into the marquee ICC event. As the leader of the team, Rohit’s form will be instrumental in determining India’s chances of success in the tournament, and he will be eager to lead from the front with strong performances.

Despite his recent slump, Rohit remains one of the most feared opening batsmen in world cricket. His ability to take the attack to the bowlers in the powerplay overs has been a hallmark of his game, and his aggressive approach was a key factor behind India’s strong performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he provided explosive starts to the team. Fans will be hoping that he can replicate those performances in the upcoming matches and return to his best just in time for the Champions Trophy.

All eyes will be on Rohit in the second ODI against England, where he will not only be aiming to score big but also surpass Tendulkar’s milestone. Given his experience and class, it is only a matter of time before he bounces back, and the cricketing world will be eagerly waiting to see if he can turn things around in the coming matches.


 

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