Openers tended to play conservatively to preserve their wicket and provide a solid foundation for the team. However, Sanath Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting during the 1996 World Cup changed everything. He demonstrated that openers may capitalise on fielding limitations and begin making big shots early in the game, changing the notion of the world’s best opener.

The most effective openers now combine aggression and caution. They begin by becoming familiar with the pitch and its circumstances, but as soon as they feel at ease, they attack, applying pressure to the other team. Because teams can no longer anticipate a slow start, this adjustment has increased the excitement in cricket. Fans now find the game more unpredictable because openers have a significant influence on the match’s outcome. Lets delve to look at the top openers in cricket history.

5. David Warner (Australia)

Top 5 Fearless Openers Who Dominated World Cricket

A dynamic left-handed opener, David Warner is one of the few modern greats who transitioned seamlessly from T20 cricket to become a dominant force across all formats. Making his international debut in a T20I in 2009 without any prior first-class experience, Warner quickly silenced critics with his explosive stroke play and fearless intent.

In Test cricket, he has scored over 8,700 runs at an average above 44, including 26 centuries, with a career-best of 335 against Pakistan*—one of the highest individual scores in the format. In ODIs, Warner has amassed over 6,900 runs at an average of nearly 45, with 22 centuries, making him one of Australia’s most prolific one-day batters. In T20Is, Warner has scored over 3,000 runs, playing a key role in Australia’s T20 World Cup win in 2021, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Beyond how well he is one of the best openers, Warner is an exceptional fielder, known for his agility, direct hits, and relentless energy. His fearless starts often set the tone for Australia, and his adaptability across formats has solidified his place among the greatest openers in cricket history.

Format	M	Inn	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	200	50
Test	109	199	8487	335	44.43	70.38	25	3	36
ODI	161	159	6932	179	45.01	97.26	22	0	33
T20I	99	99	2894	100	32.89	141.31	1	0	24

4. Rohit Sharma (India)

Renowned for his elegant strokeplay, effortless timing, and ability to build monumental innings, Rohit Sharma has established himself as one of the greatest ODI openers in cricket history. Since being promoted to open the innings in 2013, Rohit has transformed into a batting powerhouse, especially in the 50-over format.

In ODIs, Rohit has scored over 10,000 runs, averaging above 49, with a staggering 31 centuries, including a world-record three double centuries—a feat unmatched in international cricket. His highest score of 264 against Sri Lanka remains the highest individual score in ODI history. In T20Is, Rohit is among the top run-scorers globally, with over 4,000 runs and 5 centuries, another world record in the format. As a Test opener, he has reinvented his red-ball career, scoring over 3,700 runs with an average above 45 and 12 centuries, including memorable performances at home and abroad.

Sharma’s leadership skills have added a new dimension to his legacy. Under his captaincy, India won the Asia Cup in 2018 and 2023, the T20 World Cup 2024, and the Champions Trophy 2025 and reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he led from the front with a blazing strike rate and aggressive intent.

Format	M	Inn	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	200	50
Test	109	199	8487	335	44.43	70.38	25	3	36
ODI	161	159	6932	179	45.01	97.26	22	0	33
T20I	99	99	2894	100	32.89	141.31	1	0	24

3. Matthew Hayden (Australia)

A towering presence at the crease, Matthew Hayden was one of the most intimidating openers of his era. Known for his brute strength, fearless intent, and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset, Hayden was a cornerstone of Australia’s golden era in the early 2000s.

In Test cricket, Hayden scored over 8,600 runs at an average of 50.73, including 30 centuries. His career-best 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003 was, at the time, the highest individual score in Test history—a record later surpassed by Brian Lara. Hayden’s consistency at home and abroad, especially on tough tours to India and England, marked him as a complete opener. In ODIs, Hayden accumulated over 6,100 runs at an average of nearly 44, with 10 centuries. He was a key part of Australia’s 2007 World Cup-winning squad, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 659 runs at a blistering strike rate of 101.07.

Hayden’s aggressive use of the sweep shot against spinners, particularly in subcontinent conditions, became a hallmark of his batting. His memorable 2001 and 2004 India tours showcased his adaptability and grit against top-class spin.

Format	M	Inn	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	200	50
Test	103	184	8625	380	50.74	60.11	30	2	29
ODI	161	155	6133	181	43.81	78.96	10	0	36
T20I	9	9	308	73	51.33	143.93	0	0	4

2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

A true pioneer of aggressive opening, Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionised the role of the opener with his fearless batting during the initial 15 overs under fielding restrictions. His explosive approach laid the foundation for modern-day power-hitting and changed the dynamics of One-Day Internationals openers.

Jayasuriya scored over 13,400 ODI runs in 445 matches, averaging 32.36, with 28 centuries and a strike rate close to 91. His iconic 82 off 44 balls against England in the 1996 World Cup showcased how a blistering start could dismantle top bowling attacks. In Test cricket, he was no less impactful, scoring 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries. His career-best 340 against India in 1997 remains one of the highest individual scores in Test history. Jayasuriya was a genuine match-winning all-rounder, taking 323 ODI wickets with his left-arm spin, making him one of the very few players to score over 10,000 runs and take 300 wickets in ODIs.

Jayasuriya’s influence extended into leadership, captaining Sri Lanka during pivotal years and inspiring a fearless brand of cricket that laid the foundation for the team’s future success. His legacy as a game-changer at the top of the order remains unmatched in the evolution of white-ball cricket.

Format	M	Inn	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	200	50
Test	110	188	6973	340	40.1	–	14	3	31
ODI	445	433	13430	189	32.4	91.2	28	0	68
T20I	31	30	629	88	23.3	129.2	0	0	4

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar, is one of the greatest openers the sport has ever seen. With a career spanning 24 years, Tendulkar set benchmarks that remain unmatched, combining technical brilliance, temperament, and longevity in a way few have replicated.

In ODIs, Tendulkar revolutionised opening the batting after being promoted to the role in 1994. He went on to score 18,426 runs in 463 matches—the highest in ODI history—at an average of 44.83, including a then-record 49 centuries. He was also the first player in ODI history to score a double century, achieving the feat with 200 against South Africa* in 2010. In Test cricket, Tendulkar amassed 15,921 runs in 200 matches—again the highest in the format’s history—at an average of 53.78, with 51 centuries. His ability to adapt to conditions worldwide, from the pace of Perth to the spin of Chennai, made him a truly global batting icon.

Tendulkar was a pivotal part of India’s cricketing rise, culminating in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, fulfilling his long-cherished dream. Beyond batting, he also contributed with the ball, taking 154 ODI and 46 Test wickets with his part-time spin.

Format	M	Inn	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	200	50
Test	200	329	15921	248	53.79	54.08	51	6	68
ODI	463	452	18426	200	44.83	86.24	49	1	96
T20I	1	1	10	10	10	83.33	0	0	0

Summary Table

Rank	Name	International Matches	Runs	Country
1	Sachin Tendulkar	664	34357	India
2	Sanath Jayasuriya	586	21032	Sri Lanka
3	Matthew Hayden	273	15066	Australia
4	Rohit Sharma	471	18718	India
5	David Warner	376	18817	Australia

READ MORE: