In One Day Internationals (ODIs), a strong opening partnership often sets the tone for the entire innings. India has been blessed with some of the finest opening pairs in cricket history. From aggression to stability, these partnerships have laid the foundation for many famous victories. Let’s take a look at the top 5 highest partnership runs by Indian openers in ODI cricket.
1. Sourav Ganguly & Sachin Tendulkar – 6,609 Runs
The legendary duo of Ganguly and Tendulkar formed one of the most iconic partnerships in cricket. Opening together in 136 innings, they scored 6,609 runs at an average of over 49. Their left-right combination troubled bowlers across the world, with several match-winning stands that defined Indian cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
2. Shikhar Dhawan & Rohit Sharma – 5,148 Runs
Modern-day stalwarts, Rohit and Dhawan, have been the backbone of India’s ODI batting since 2013. Together, they scored 5,148 runs in 117 innings, with 18 century stands. Their chemistry and ability to complement each other made them one of the most consistent opening pairs in the last decade.
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3. Virender Sehwag & Sachin Tendulkar – 3,919 Runs
The explosive combination of Sehwag and Tendulkar gave India many blazing starts. They scored 3,919 runs in 93 innings, with their fearless approach often dismantling opposition attacks. This pair brought aggression to the top order, changing the way India approached ODI cricket.
4. Gautam Gambhir & Virender Sehwag – 1,878 Runs
Known for their contrasting styles, Gambhir and Sehwag together scored 1,878 runs in 38 innings. While Sehwag attacked from one end, Gambhir played the role of an anchor, making them a successful duo during the late 2000s.
5. Krishnamachari Srikkanth & Sunil Gavaskar – 1,872 Runs
This opening partnership from the 1980s combined aggression with classic technique. Together, Gavaskar and Srikkanth scored 1,872 runs in 55 innings. Their combination was crucial in giving India solid starts during the early years of ODI cricket.
Final Thoughts
India’s ODI history is filled with unforgettable opening stands that set the tone for big wins. From Tendulkar-Ganguly’s dominance to Rohit-Dhawan’s consistency, these partnerships remain etched in the hearts of cricket fans, showcasing the importance of a strong start in the limited-overs game.
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