Rohit Sharma vs Virender Sehwag: Who Is More Dangerous Opener? Check Stats

Let’s break down their numbers to see who stands out.

Rohit Sharma made his debut for India in 2007 and has since become one of the most prolific openers in white-ball cricket.

Source : PTI

Cricket fans across India often debate a fiery question — who is the most dangerous Indian opener: Rohit Sharma or Virender Sehwag?

Both are known for their fearless stroke play and ability to take the attack to the opposition from the very first ball. Whether it’s Rohit’s elegant sixes or Sehwag’s explosive cuts and pulls, these two have terrorized bowlers worldwide with their attacking mindset.

Let’s break down their numbers to see who stands out.

Rohit Sharma – ‘Hitman’ of Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma made his debut for India in 2007 and has since become one of the most prolific openers in white-ball cricket. Here's a quick look at his career across formats:

Tests: 67 matches, 4301 runs, average 40.57, strike rate 57.05, 12 centuries, highest score 212

ODIs: 273 matches, 11168 runs, average 48.76, strike rate 92.80, 32 centuries, 3 double centuries

T20Is: 159 matches, 4231 runs, average 32.05, strike rate 140.89, 5 centuries

Rohit is also the only batter in history to score three double centuries in ODIs. Though he has retired from T20Is and Tests, his legacy as a white-ball opener is cemented.

Virender Sehwag – The Original Aggressor

Virender Sehwag, known for redefining Test match opening with his ultra-aggressive style, had an illustrious career from the early 2000s.

Tests: 104 matches, 8586 runs, average 49.34, strike rate 82.33, 23 centuries, 2 triple hundreds

ODIs: 251 matches, 8273 runs, average 35.05, strike rate 104.33, 15 centuries

T20Is: 19 matches, 394 runs

Sehwag remains the only Indian to score two triple centuries in Tests and was feared for his ability to dominate bowlers in all conditions.

Verdict – Who Was More Dangerous?

In Test cricket, Sehwag leads the race with superior averages, strike rate, and impact — particularly with his triple hundreds.

In ODIs, Rohit Sharma edges ahead with better consistency, more centuries, and unprecedented feats like three double tons.

In T20Is, the comparison is less relevant as Sehwag played few matches, while Rohit has established himself as one of the greats.

Conclusion: Sehwag was the more dangerous red-ball aggressor, while Rohit reigns supreme in white-ball formats. Both are legends in their own right, setting new standards for opening batters in Indian cricket.