Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have both left an indelible mark on the game with their dynamic and aggressive batting styles. While Dhawan called time on his career in 2024, having made his mark across all formats, Rohit continues to lead India in Tests and ODIs. He retired from T20Is after guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.
Both batters are known for their aggressive approach, particularly against the new ball, and have displayed the same courage to play expansive shots even in challenging conditions. While Virender Sehwag pioneered the role of the swashbuckling opener in white-ball cricket, Dhawan and Rohit have been worthy successors. Rohit, who was initially not an opener, transformed his career after being asked to open in 2013 by MS Dhoni and has excelled in the role ever since.
Dhawan, who retired with 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is under his belt, was one of India’s finest white-ball openers. Technically sound and devastating when the bowlers erred, Dhawan earned his place as one of the world’s top openers. His memorable 187 on Test debut against Australia in 2013 in Mohali showcased his versatility. However, it was in ODIs that Dhawan truly flourished, amassing 6,793 runs in 167 matches at an average of 44.13. With 17 centuries and 39 fifties, he became a force to be reckoned with. His highest score of 143 came against Australia in 2019 in Mohali, a venue where he had previously dominated in Tests.
Rohit Sharma, known for his languid yet elegant batting, has made a name for himself as one of the best openers in white-ball cricket. A destructive player against the short ball and renowned for his immaculate driving technique, Rohit is particularly dangerous on pitches that offer little movement. His numbers in ODIs are remarkable: 10,987 runs in 267 matches at an average of 49.26. He also holds the record for the most double-centuries in ODIs (three), a testament to his exceptional ability to dominate the format. His 32nd ODI century came on February 9, 2025, in Cuttack, while he has also scored 57 half-centuries.
By the time Rohit played his 167th ODI against Australia in Bengaluru in 2017, he had accumulated 5,908 runs at an average of 43.44—slightly lower than Dhawan’s average for the same number of matches. Rohit’s numbers improved as his career progressed, especially after he began regularly opening in January 2013. At the time of reaching 167 ODIs, Rohit had scored 14 centuries, compared to Dhawan’s tally of 17.
While comparing two legends like Dhawan and Rohit will always invite debate, Dhawan slightly edges out Rohit when it comes to batting numbers after 167 ODIs, with a slightly higher average and more centuries. However, Rohit’s remarkable consistency and records, especially in recent years, demonstrate his growth into one of the greatest openers in ODI history.
