The openers certainly have the most responsibilities, especially in test matches. Giving the team a good start and push helps the middle order and lower order batters to play with less stress. The responsibilities of being openers are immense. Let's take a look at the most test runs as openers in away tests since 2020.
Abid Ali is one of the openers of the Pakistan test team and he scored the most runs in his position in away tests since 2020. From 2020 to 2021, Abid opened for Pakistan in 11 away test matches. In these matches, he aggregated a total of 826 including 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries. He concluded playing test matches this year with an average of 48.58 and his highest score being 215*.
Rohit Sharma sits on the second position of this list with 561 runs in away tests since 2020. The Indian captain in limited-overs played in 7 away test matches an aggregated 561 runs with his highest score being 127. Due to an injury, he could not participate in the ongoing India tour of South Africa, otherwise, his total runs during this period could have increased more. He concluded opening in away test matches this year with an average of 43.15 including 1 century in 3 half-centuries.
The West Indies cricketer Kraig Braithwaite scored 499 matches in away test matches since 2020. He opened in 9 away test matches where he hit 2020 including 4 half-centuries and his highest score was 76. Also, he ended this year with an average of 27.72.
Sitting on the fourth position is Dom Sibley from England. The English opener aggregated 487 runs in 9 away test matches as an opener including 1 century and 2 half-centuries. Also his highest score during this period was 133*.
KL Rahul sits on the 5th position of this list with 438 runs as an opener for India since 2020. In the ongoing Indian tour of South Africa, KL Rahul executed a phenomenal performance and scored a century as well. Since 2020 he played 5 away test matches where he aggregated 438 runs including 2 centuries and 1 half-century. Also, his highest score of this period is 129 and till now his average as an opener in test matches since 2020 as an opener is 48.66.
After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.
Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.
The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.
India will play New Zealand twice
India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.
It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.
India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026
In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.
The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?
Rohit played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. 38-year-old Rohit had already retired from T20I cricket. For now, he will continue to play for India in the ODI format and he is also the captain of Team India in this format. After this announcement by Rohit, his 11-year long Test cricket career also came to an end.
Rohit Sharma had a very good Test cricket career and he played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket.
Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.
Rohit scored most centuries as an opener
Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 Test matches played in his career at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, but he scored the most centuries as an opener.
Rohit was elevated to that role for the first time in October 2019, and since then, no other opener has scored as many tons. Overall, only four batters have scored more Test tons than Rohit in this period.
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most sixes for India
Rohit has hit a total of 88 sixes in his Test cricket career and is second on the list of batsmen who have hit the most sixes for India in the longer format of cricket. If he had hit 3 more sixes in the Test, he would have become the batsman who has hit the most sixes in Tests for India. The record for hitting the most sixes in Tests for India is held by Virender Sehwag who hit a total of 90 sixes.
Sr
Player
6s
M
Inn
R
Ave
100s
50s
1
Virender Sehwag
90
92
178
8503
49.43
23
31
2
Rohit Sharma
88
59
116
4301
40.57
12
18
3
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
78
82
144
4876
38.09
6
33
4
Rishabh Pant
73
41
75
2948
42.11
6
15
5
Sachin Tendulkar
69
173
329
15921
53.78
51
68
6
Ravindra Jadeja
68
70
118
3370
34.74
4
22
7
Sourav Ganguly
57
101
188
7212
42.17
16
35
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most centuries for India in won Test matches
Rohit Sharma is at number 5 in the list of batsmen who have scored the most centuries in Test matches won by India. He has scored a total of 12 centuries in Test matches won by India. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list with 20 centuries.
As an opener in Test cricket, Rohit scored a total of 2697 runs in 66 innings for India. During this period, his average was 42.81 while in these 66 innings, he also scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His best score as an opener in Tests was 212 runs.
Rohit Sharma's sudden retirement from Test cricket brings the curtain down on a career that was a story of transformation. Let's look back and revisit Rohit Sharma's status in tests.
The sudden announcement of Rohit Sharma's tests retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His journey in this format has evolved the years, from being a middle-order batsman to a dominant captain to open for his nation.
This transformation defines his Test legacy that we have witnessed over the years. It is now time to look back at those times and numbers; check out Rohit Sharma stats in tests.
The Initial Chapter (2013-2018)
Rohit Sharma celebrating his century during test debut at Eden Gardens in 2013. Image | NDTV
In November 2013, during Sachin Tendulkar's farewell series, Rohit Sharma made his Test debut at Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies, scoring 177, the second highest score in an Indian debut behind Shikhar Dhawan (187).
He followed with 111 (not out) in the second test at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, he couldn’t find constant form in the longest format and could only score only one Test hundred after that, before he was promoted as an opener in a series against South Africa in 2019.
Rohit Sharma lifting the trophy after India's win against Bangladesh in a test series in 2024. Image | Pinterest
The Test series against South Africa in 2019 turned out to be a memorable one for Rohit as he went on to score three hundreds in three matches, including his maiden double hundred in Tests. His promotion as an opening batter in this format, gradually started to show brilliant outcomes.
Rohit's highest score in Test cricket came against South Africa in October 2019 in Ranchi where he scored 212 (255) runs hitting 28 fours and six sixes. He also scored his first overseas test century against England in 2021, with a knock of 127 runs at the Oval.
His contributions in this format were at its peak when he was appointed as the captain of India in the Test format in February 2022. He succeeded the former captain, Virat Kohli, ahead of a series against Sri Lanka.
The Final Blow
Rohit Sharma's announcement of retirement from Test cricket on social media on 7th May, 2025. Image | Instagram
In his recent Test appearances, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in late 2024 and early 2025, Rohit Sharma struggled to find his usual form. His performances in this crucial series, which also had impact on India's standing in the WTC cycle, saw a major dip in his batting average.
Across the matches, he recorded several low scores in contrast to his earlier success as a top-order batsman in the format. This raised concerns about his form leading into the ending stage of the WTC and ultimately preceded his retirement announcement.
Virat Kohli is known for having the safest hands and currently holds the record for the most catches in IPL history with 117 in 263 matches. Get ready to find out the other top fielders and their catching records.
"Catches win matches" is a well-known proverb that is crucial in terms of cricket. Having exceptional fielders who would get to any extent to grab match-winning catches is a blessing for teams.
IPL has witnessed some unbelievably good fielding efforts from players across the globe. Here's the ones that stood out for their consistency, having the most catches in IPL history.
Virat Kohli (117 catches)
Virat Kohli takes a stunning catch against KKR in IPL 2018. Image | Facebook
Virat Kohli is one of the fittest athletes in the world and is also considered as an expectional fielder for India. He always lits up the stadium with his energy and agility while fielding for his team.
Kohli has taken a total of 117 catches in 263 matches so far, which is the highest in IPL history. He is barely seen missing or letting the ball go off his hand.
His contributions in aspect of taking catches remains hard to beat, and hopefully there are more to come in the upcoming matches in IPL for RCB.
Suresh Raina dives to take a precious catch against Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2014. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Suresh Raina's contribution in IPL goes beyond his batting performance. He has taken 109 catches in 205 matches for Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions.
Raina ended his IPL journey in 2021 and still his second place in the list of most catches stays unbeaten. He is among the top Indian fielders who took some match-winning catches.
Ravindra Jadeja (108 catches)
Ravindra Jadeja taking a magnificent catch close to the boundary line against KKR in IPL 2021. Image | Facebook
Ravindra Jadeja is one name that everyone anticipates when it comes to the category of fielding and catching. His quick reflexes and fielding abilities made him one of the best fielders in the history of not only IPL, but also Indian cricket.
Jadeja has taken 108 catches in 251 matches for CSK, GL, KTK, and RR. He consistently worked towards taking important wickets for the team and saving boundaries when needed.
Jadeja also played a crucial role in CSK's success over the years.
Kieron Pollard (103 catches)
Kieron Pollard takes a one-handed catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in a match against Delhi in IPL 2019. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Kieron Pollardhas served as a fielding pillar for Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career. He often changed the course of the game in favour of his team by taking difficult catches.
Pollard has taken 103 catches in 189 matches for MI, and some of them were too good to be true! His athleticism proved to be beneficial everytime he is on field, specially near the boundary.
Rohit Sharma takes a mid-air catch to dismiss Suresh Raina in IPL 2017. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Rohit Sharma is another Indian player having a catch count of more than hundred in IPL. He has taken 103 catches in 267 matches for MI and DCH. He has proved to be a dependable fielder for his team throughout.
Rohit's game awareness and experience played a crucial role in his fielding, which also aligned with the field setup and his captaincy. He is the 5th player to have 100+ catches in IPL history.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's breathtaking 13-ball half century stands strong at the top of the table. Get ready to be thrilled as we dive into the top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history.
Some IPL innings leave you speechless. The talented players in this tournament have taken the stage to another level with their explosive batting over the years.
Check out the entire article to know some names that will definitely shock you.
10. Suresh Raina (2014) | 16 balls
Suresh Raina during his half-century knock off 16 balls against Punjab. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Suresh Raina is one of the players to score the fastest half-century in the early seasons of IPL. He took only 16 balls to reach his fifty, making it look super easy for the fans.
Raina was the opening batter for CSK and scored this in a match against PBKS in IPL 2024. The endless boundaries that came off his bat in this inning is hard to forget!
Jake Fraser-McGurk celebrating his 15-balls half century against SRH in IPL 2024. Image | NDTV
Jake Fraser-McGurk, who played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, stunned the spectators with his back-to-back fastest fifties in 2 matches. He scored both the fifties off 15 balls which is quite astonishing as it was his debut season.
McGurk’s consecutive fifties secured both the 9th and 8th position in top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history.
He proved to be highly impactful for DC and these half centuries against MI and SRH made him more impressive. Moreover, he smashed 330 runs in 9 matches with a strike rate above 200.
Nicholas Pooran's iconic celebration after his fastest half century against RCB in IPL 2023. Image | BBC
The West Indies power-hitter, Nicholas Pooran, put up a shower of boundaries during his fastest fifty of IPL career from just 15 balls. He scored 62 runs (off 19 balls) in his knock, hitting 7 sixes and 4 fours.
Pooran had a strike rate of 326.32 which says a lot about the kind of mindset and form he was in during the match of LSG vs RCB.
6. Sunil Narine (2017) | 15 balls
Sunil Narine celebrates his fastest fifty against RCB in IPL 2017. Image | Hindustan Times
This superstar from the West Indies has never failed to amaze us, be it with the ball or bat. Sunil Narine showcased his exceptional batting skills with this 15-ball half century in IPL 2017.
Narine has played several crucial knocks for KKR in the history of IPL, but with this one, he proved how he is equally capable with the bat and can do wonders.
5. Yusuf Pathan (2014) | 15 balls
Yusuf Pathan after his fastest fifty off 15 balls against SRH. Image | Ani News
Yusuf Pathan scored a sensational fifty against SRH off 15 balls in IPL 2014. He single-handedly took the game home for KKR with his 72 runs off just 22 balls in this inning, with a strike rate above 300.
It shows that KKR indeed had some fearless power-hitters in their team throughout IPL history.
Romario Shepherd hitting the ball hard for a six during the match of RCB vs CSK in IPL 2025. Image | OneCricket
Romario Shepherd became the only batter in IPL 2025 to score a fifty so fast that could make its way to the top 10 fastest fifties in IPL. He helped RCB reach a 200+ total during the first inning against CSK, which was enough to be a defendable total.
Shepherd hit 6 sixes and 4 fours to score 53* off 14 balls. He was also given player of the match award for his spectacular knock.
3. Pat Cummins (2022) | 14 balls
Pat Cummins celebrating his fastest 50 off 14 balls for KKR in IPL 2022. Image | Pinterest
Here comes a surprising half-century from the Australian all-rounder, Pat Cummins, who scored 50 off 14 balls for KKR in IPL 2022. He helped to seal the victory for his team against MI by 5 wickets (24 balls left).
Cummins unveiled his boundary-hitting capabilities with 4 fours and 6 sixes, leaving the fans shocked. It is considered to be one of the finest knocks in IPL where he truly showcased his batting skills when needed.
2. KL Rahul (2018) | 14 balls
KL Rahul celebrates his heroic fifty in just 14 balls against DC. Image | Instagram
KL Rahul, who is now known for his calm and composed batting style, holds the second position in the list of top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history. Quite shocking, isn't it?
This was back in IPL 2018 when Rahul showed no mercy to the bowlers of Delhi Capitals with his magnificent fifty off just 14 balls.
He was the opening batter of PBKS, who kept the fans on the edge of their seats from the beginning of the inning.
Yashasvi Jaiswal during his record-breaking fastest fifty in the history of IPL. Image | Pinterest
An all-time shocker of an innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal, which remains unmatched till date! He scored fifty off 13 balls, making it the fastest half-century in IPL history.
Jaiswal scored a total of 98 runs (from 47 balls) in this match against KKR and led Rajasthan Royals to victory. He hit the ball out of the boundary line in every direction possible, and was barely seen running between the wickets.
This performance goes down the history of unbelievable knocks in IPL.