Indian cricket sensation Rohit Sharma has etched his name in history by becoming the fastest opener to reach 9000 One Day International (ODI) runs. This remarkable feat was achieved during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan on February 23, 2025, at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Sharma's achievement came when he opened his account with just one run against Pakistan, propelling him past the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who were previously the only Indian openers to reach this milestone.
Under the pressure of high expectations, Rohit Sharma accomplished this milestone in just 181 innings. This achievement put him above Tendulkar, who set the record at 197 innings, and Ganguly, who reached the 9000 runs mark in 231 innings. The impressive list also includes renowned players like Chris Gayle and Adam Gilchrist, who required 246 and 253 innings, respectively, to reach the same milestone.
The official Indian Cricket Team's Twitter account hailed Rohit's accomplishment, stating, "Fastest to 9000 ODI runs as Opener: 181 Innings - Rohit Sharma* 197 Innings - Sachin Tendulkar 231 Innings - Sourav Ganguly 246 Innings - Chris Gayle 253 Innings - Adam Gilchrist." This acknowledgment not only celebrates the moment but also reinforces the strides Rohit has made since stepping up as India's opener.
Prior to this record, Rohit had also distinguished himself by becoming the second-fastest player overall to reach 11,000 ODI runs, achieving this remarkable figure in 261 innings – only behind Virat Kohli, who needed only 222 innings to reach the same milestone.
Rohit Sharma's rise as one of the cricketing greats has been undeniable since he first donned the opener's role regularly back in 2013. His dual capability of aggressive run-scoring and stabilizing innings has made him invaluable to the Indian setup. Currently, he boasts 44 centuries as an opener across all formats, showcasing his knack for big performances under pressure.
During the match against Pakistan, after reaching his landmark, Rohit couldn't convert his start and fell victim to the talented Shaheen Afridi, returning to the pavilion with just 20 runs from 15 balls, featuring three fours and one six. Despite the fall of wickets, Rohit remains poised as he seeks to not only lead India to victory but also to etch his own legacy alongside the cricketing icons he aims to surpass.
The current Champions Trophy has set the stage for India to solidify their position as title contenders. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, fans are eager to see how this formidable batsman continues to shape the game's narrative as he chases even more records.
Rohit Sharma's performance today adds another chapter to his storied career and reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence, leading many to laud him as India’s finest opener of contemporary cricket.
Looking forward, supporters and analysts alike are excited about what the future holds for Rohit. After reaching this milestone, can he push himself to rewrite the record books once more? One thing is certain: the cricketing world is poised for more from the 'Hitman' as he continues to achieve incredible feats on the pitch.