Openers' contributions are the most important thing for any Cricket team's batting department. If the openers fail to deliver then it's a high chance that the team may not bounce back in the game. So they are like pillars of the team's batting department. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 Indian Openers with the Most T20I runs in their cricketing career.

India Women's Cricket Team opener Smriti Mandana hits another milestone as she reaches the milestone of 2000+ T20I runs in her career on Wednesday in the Commonwealth Games 2022. She is now the second highest Indian player to score most T20I runs as an opener after Rohit Sharma (2973* runs). Check out in detail below.

Also Read: Most T20I Ducks by Indians

Indian Openers with Most T20I runs:

#5. KL Rahul | 1392* runs

Indian opener KL Rahul aggregated 1392* runs as an opener in T20Is. Although Rahul currently isn't regular in the team due to his injury and Covid positive results, he maintained his position in the fifth place in this list of Most T20I runs by Indian openers.

In his 56 matches T20I career, KL Rahul has registered 1831 runs in 52 innings at 40.69 and maintained a good strike rate of 142.49. Moreover, Rahul has already smoked 2 centuries and also 16 half-centuries in the format with the highest score of 110.

Read Also: Most Wins by Indian Captains in T20I

#4. Mithali Raj | 1407 runs

Former Indian Women's team captain Mithali Raj comes at the fourth position in this list of Indian openers with the Most T20I runs. Mithali has registered 1407 runs as an opener in T20Is to be part of this elite list.

In her 89 matches T20I career, Mithali Raj has added 2364 runs in 84 innings at an average of 37.52. She has also recorded 17 fifties in the format. She retired from International cricket in June 2022.

#3. Shikhar Dhawan | 1759* runs

Another Indian Opener, Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently not a regular batsman for India in T20Is comes at the third position. Dhawan has aggregated 1759* runs in T20Is as an opener.

In 68 matches T20I career, Dhawan has smashed 1759 runs in 66 innings at 27.92 and maintained a strike rate of 126.36. Meanwhile, Dhawan has also recorded 11 half centuries in the shortest format of the game.

Also Read: Youngest Men's player to score a T20I century

#2. Smriti Mandhana | 2004* runs

The second female opener on this list is Smriti Mandana, the talented Indian opener who has recently reached 2000 T20I runs as an opener. Mandhana has added 2004* runs as an opener in T20Is as he comes at second place on this list of Indian openers with the Most T20I runs.

In her 90-match T20I career, Mandhana has aggregated 2125 runs in 88 innings at an average of 26.23 while maintaining a strike rate of 120.87. Moreover, she has also slammed 15 T20I half-centuries while her highest score is 86 in the format.

#1. Rohit Sharma | 2973* runs

The top player on this list is Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who is not just leading this list but also leading the list of Most T20I runs. Rohit has played the most matches(131) in the format and has also been a part of Most T20I wins(89).

In 123 innings, Rohit Sharma has aggregated 3454 runs at an average of 31.69 and maintained a strike rate of 139.84 in the format. Rohit has slammed four T20I centuries (Most by any player) in his career while also having 27 half-centuries in the format. His highest score in 118 against Sri Lanka which he had scored in 2017.

Also Read: Players to be part of Most Wins in T20Is

N.B: The stats and records are accurate as of 03/08/2022.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the upcoming England tour starting June 28th, 2025.

The Women in Blue will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the England Women's Cricket team.

Harmanpreet Kaur was named the captain of the both squads. Meantime, Smriti Mandhana was named the vice captain of the team. 

Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare are a few of the new names in the squad who were not part of the Tri-Nation series-winning squad for India. Shafali Verma returned to the T20I squad after missing out for a few months due to being off form.

Read Also | Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana

Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the England tour

India’s T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

India's tour to England full schedule 

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.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

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.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Aryan Club (Women's) delivered a commanding performance to secure the C.A.B. Women's Club Cricket League (One-Day) Tournament 2024-2025 title, defeating Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) by 47 runs in a thrilling final at the 22-Yards SP School Ground. 

Powered by a blazing knock from captain Tanusree Sarkar and a disciplined bowling effort, Aryan Club showcased their dominance in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement.

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Aryan Club’s Explosive Batting

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Aryan Club got off to a steady start with opener Dyuti Paul (23 off 23) and Sujata Dey taking the score to 28 for the first wicket.

However, it was captain Tanusree Sarkar who stole the show with a scintillating 76 off 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six at a strike rate of 152. Her aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Aryan’s innings. 

Priyanka Bala’s unbeaten 45 provided the perfect foil, anchoring the latter half with composure, while Jhumia Khatun chipped in with a quickfire 18. Despite Diya Nandi’s 2/38 for Mohun Bagan, Aryan Club posted a formidable 171/4 in their 25 overs, setting a challenging target.

Read Also | Exclusive | Taunts to Claps: Priyanka Bala's journey from rural village of Nadia to WPL

Mohun Bagan’s Valiant Chase Falls Short

Chasing 172, Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) got off to a rocky start, losing Sneha Gupta (3) in the second over to Susmita Ganguly. 

Captain Ankita Chakraborty led the fightback with a resolute 46, partnering with Diya Nandi (32) for a crucial 71-run stand. However, Aryan’s bowlers struck back with precision.

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Sinjini Sarkar (2/28) removed both set batters in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Tanusree Sarkar (1/22) and Sritama Nandi (4/29) ran through the middle order, with Nandi’s sensational spell dismantling Mohun Bagan’s hopes. 

Dipa Das (29) and Puja Rajak (13) showed fight, but Jhumia Khatun’s late wickets, including a stumping, sealed Mohun Bagan’s fate at 128 all out in 25 overs.

With another century in the tri-nation series final against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener scored a staggering 116 from 101 balls to help India score 342 in the first inning in Colombo.

Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

Also Read: Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Most centuries by Indian cricketers (WODI)

7. Jaya Sharma | 2 Centuries

Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.

While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.

The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.

6. Jemimah Rodrigues | 2 Centuries

Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the record books with a blistering century as India Women posted 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women in the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 at Colombo.

Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 123 runs off just 101 balls, anchoring the middle overs and setting the tone for a massive total. Her innings featured 15 fours and one six, scored at a strike rate of 121.78.

With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 102 against Ireland Women earlier this year.

5. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries

Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.

Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.

4. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries

The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.

Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 6 Centuries

Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored six WODI centuries in her career. 

Apart from three home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final.

2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries

Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.

While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.

Also Read: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

1. Smriti Mandhana | 11 Centuries

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She achieved the record solely in January 2025 after scoring a 70-ball century against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series in Rajkot. It was her tenth WODI hundred. 

Mandhana has scored four WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year.

Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI. 

In a display of strategic brilliance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women's cricket team executed a rare tactical move to secure a resounding 163-run victory against Qatar in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025.

The match, played under looming rain clouds, saw UAE retire their entire batting line-up after amassing 192 runs in just 16 overs, a decision that paved the way for a dominant performance with the ball.

They were 192/0 after 16 overs, but after forecasting the rain, Ahmed Raza, the head coach of the UAE Women's Cricket team, sent the whole batting lineup one after another to make them retire out.

Read Also | Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Explosive Batting Sets the Stage

Batting first, UAE showcased firepower at the top, led by captain Esha Oza's scintillating 113 off 55 balls, which included 19 boundaries and five towering sixes.

She was ably supported by Theertha Satish, who scored 74 off 42 balls with 11 fours.

The opening pair's aggressive batting took UAE to a formidable total, setting the stage for an audacious tactical gambit.

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A Bold Decision Under Overcast Skies

With rain threatening to disrupt proceedings, UAE's management and coach, Ahmed Raza, made a bold call at the 16-over mark.

Confident in their substantial score, they opted to retire out their entire batting line-up—a move akin to declaring in a first-class match but unprecedented in the T20I format. For your information, declaring the inning in T20Is is not allowed.

This allowed the UAE to immediately shift focus to their bowling attack, saving crucial time in a weather-affected contest.

Qatar Crumbled Under UAE's Bowling Might

The decision paid dividends as UAE's bowlers ran riot, skittling Qatar for a mere 29 runs in under 12 overs.

The clinical bowling performance sealed a mammoth win, significantly boosting UAE's net run rate and strengthening their position in the tournament.

Read Also | Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

A Step Closer to the Super Three

This victory marks UAE's second consecutive win in the Asia Qualifier, positioning them favorably to advance to the Super Three stage. The top three teams from the group stage will progress to this phase, with the top two earning a coveted spot in the Global Qualifier in early 2026.