Top 7 Best Openers in ODIs (2025 Updated Rankings)

Opening the batting order in One Day Internationals is one of the most challenging tasks in cricket. Openers set the pace, face the new ball, quickly assess the pitch, and maintain a balance between caution and aggression. Whether laying a solid foundation or fearlessly initiating the powerplay, ODI openers dictate the course of the innings. The game has changed in many ways over the years. What used to be a slow and steady format now revolves around explosive batting. The revolution initiated by Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana in the 1996 World Cup changed the game forever. Today, openers must be aggressive from ball one and adapt quickly to the conditions.

In 2025, ODI cricket will continue to evolve thanks to openers who combine fearless strokeplay and match awareness. Therefore, after analyzing recent performances, here is a list of the top 7 best ODI openers in the world: updated rankings for 2025.

Top 7 ODI Openers in the World (2025)

1. Rohit Sharma (India) – The Modern-Day ODI Giant

Rohit Sharma will remain the king of ODI opening in 2025. With three ODI double centuries, his effortless strokes, and timing, Rohit has transformed the dominance at the top.

Known for slow starts and explosive innings, Rohit is unmatched in his ability to build a brilliant innings. He can read bowlers, hit loose balls, and single-handedly take matches away from opponents.

Why Rohit is No. 1:

• Most 150+ scores in ODIs
• Best timing against both pace & spin
• Captaincy intelligence reflects in his batting.
• Match-winner in ICC tournaments
• Whether it is a chase under pressure or setting a huge target, Rohit’s presence is India’s biggest ODI asset.

2. Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – The Fearless Momentum Builder

Quinton de Kock is performing as brilliantly as ever in limited-overs leagues. Despite retiring from Test and ODI cricket, his ODI statistics remain impressive. His aggressive approach in the powerplay gives South Africa a quick start. Quinton de Kock, who has scored over 6,000 ODI runs as an opener, is an explosive left-handed batsman with unmatched consistency.

What Makes De Kock Special:

• Left-hand elegance with brutal power
• Excellent wicketkeeping adds all-round value
• ICC tournament star performer
• Tackles swing bowling better than most openers.
• Every time QDK fires, South Africa is almost always on the winning side.

3. Travis Head (Australia) – The New-Age ODI Game Changer

Travis Head has emerged as Australia’s most explosive opening batsman in recent years. His fearless batting in the 2023 ODI World Cup final—where he scored a heroic 137—established him as a dangerous batsman for big matches. He takes an aggressive approach from the very first over, disrupting bowling teams’ plans and never allowing bowlers to settle in. Since 2020, his strike rate has been the highest among openers.

Why Head is Ranked This High:

• Match-winner in ICC knockout games
• Left-handed attacking option in powerplays
• Converts good starts into game-changing 80s & 100s.
• Can bat aggressively against pace & spin
• Head is the future of ODI opening- bold, attacking, and fearless.

4. Shubman Gill (India) – The Prince of Consistency

Shubman Gill has become one of the most reliable ODI openers in world cricket. With his elegant strokeplay and calm demeanor, Gill reminds many of a young Virat Kohli for his consistency, fitness, and hunger for runs. Gill was the leading ODI run-scorer in 2023, and his adaptability makes him unique. He can anchor, attack, or chase depending on the situation.

Reasons Gill Makes the Top 4:

• High average for an opener less than 25 years old.
• Excellent against spin in middle overs
• Converts stars into big scores
• Mentally strong in pressure chases
• Gill is Indian cricket’s future and already among the best ODI openers in the world.

5. Jonny Bairstow (England) – The Powerplay Bulldozer

England’s attacking white-ball revolution is incomplete without Jonny Bairstow. When he bats, bowlers are stunned. His unstoppable power, explosive bat swing, and ability to hit boundaries make him one of the most dangerous openers. Along with Jason Roy, Bairstow’s fearlessness dictates the course of England’s innings.

Why Bairstow is the best opener:

• One of the highest powerplay strike rates in the world
• Dangerous in both chases and first innings.
• Strength & power unmatched among openers
• Proven ICC pedigree

He can make a target of 300 runs look like a Sunday stroll within the first 10 overs.

6. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – The Unpredictable Match-Winner

When Fakhar Zaman gets into his groove, he’s incredibly difficult to stop. His ability to play long innings speaks volumes about his match-winning potential. Brimming with confidence and rhythm, Fakhar is Pakistan’s most explosive ODI opener since Saeed Anwar.

Fakhar’s Strengths:

• One of the few openers with a double-century
• Best performer in high-pressure India-Pakistan games
• Natural six-hitter
• Excels on pitches that have true bounce.
• When Fakhar fires, Pakistan usually puts up a massive score.

7. Devon Conway (New Zealand) – The Technical Artist

Devon Conway brings excellence, patience, and timing to New Zealand’s top order. He is able to adapt to different formats and conditions and can be considered one of the most complete ODI openers of this era. Conway plays risk-free cricket, but once settled, he can easily accelerate. He also performs well in ICC tournaments and often accelerates New Zealand’s innings with maturity.

Why Conway Makes the Top 7:

• Strong technique against swing
• Reliable in low-scoring matches
• High average in ICC tournaments
• Plays spin exceptionally well
• Conway is the ideal mix of aptitude, patience, and modern-day ODI aggression

Related Post: Top 7 Best Openers in T20Is (2025 Updated Rankings)

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Who is the best ODI opener in the world in 2025?

Rohit Sharma is the premier batsman in this list because of his consistency, temperament, and ability to score massive innings. His technique, timing, and leadership make him the most complete ODI opener today.

Q2. Which opener has the maximum impact in powerplays?

Travis Head and Jonny Bairstow are the most destructive in the first 10 overs. Both attack from ball one, breaking opposition plans, and creating early momentum.

Q3. Who is the most consistent young opener in ODI cricket?

The best among these is Shubman Gill. His average, form, and consistency against all kinds of bowling make him the most promising next-generation opener.

Q4. Which is the best opener in ICC tournaments?

ICC Performances: Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock lead the way. Rohit holds the record for most runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. Whereas QDK is known for dominating ICC tournaments with crucial centuries.

Q5. Which opener is most dangerous in high-pressure matches?

Travis Head is the ultimate big-match player. He made a century in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and his fearless approach make him the deadliest opener in crunch moments.

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