Cricket, often referred to as the gentleman's game, has seen India produce a rich lineage of exceptional opening batsmen. These openers have held a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts, with their ability to lay the foundation for the team's success. They have faced the fiercest of bowlers, tackled challenging conditions, and provided countless memorable moments for fans around the world. In this article, we delve into the list of the top ten Indian opening batsmen of all time, celebrating their contributions to the sport.

10. Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his delightful strokeplay, was a stalwart of the Indian team. His ability to judge the length early and execute powerful shots made him a formidable opener. In ODIs, he amassed 2418 runs in 63 innings, boasting an impressive average of 40.30. In Tests, Sidhu scored 2911 runs in 69 innings, with a remarkable average of 42.81.

9. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, the flamboyant left-hander, stepped into the shoes of Virender Sehwag with aplomb. His powerful square cuts and stylish cover drives have been a joy to watch. Dhawan's ODI record as an opener stands at 6672 runs in 158 innings, with a staggering 17 centuries and an average of 45.08. In Tests, he has notched up 2315 runs in 58 innings, with 7 centuries to his name.

8. Pankaj Roy

Pankaj Roy, an elegant right-hander from the 1950s, graced the crease with his stylish strokes. Known for his late cuts and well-timed cover drives, Roy scored 2220 runs in 74 Test innings as an opener. His highest score of 173 against New Zealand remains unbeaten for over half a century.

7. Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth, with his fearless and aggressive approach, introduced a new charisma to Indian batting. His ability to cut and pull the ball powerfully delighted fans worldwide. In Tests, Srikkanth amassed 2062 runs in 72 innings as an opener, while in ODIs, he scored 4091 runs in 146 innings.

6. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the epitome of elegance and balance, has carved his name in the annals of modern cricket. With 27 ODI centuries and 5 Test centuries as an opener, Rohit has demonstrated his versatility. His ODI record boasts 7409 runs in 147 innings, with an average of 56.56, and a highest score of 264. In Tests, he has amassed 1552 runs in 30 innings, averaging 55.45.

5. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir's aggression and ability to handle pressure situations made him a vital asset for India. His sublime drives and late cuts showcased his class. In Tests, Gambhir scored 4119 runs in 101 innings, including 9 centuries. In ODIs, he tallied 3367 runs in 91 innings as an opener.

4. Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag, often hailed as the 'Nawab of Najafgarh,' was a bowler's nightmare when in full flow. With a plethora of powerful shots, including cuts and drives, Sehwag dominated the opposition. In ODIs, he amassed 7518 runs in 214 innings as an opener, boasting 14 centuries. In Tests, his record stands at 8207 runs in 170 innings, with an astonishing 22 centuries.

3. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, known as the 'Prince of Kolkata,' combined flamboyant captaincy with elegant batting. His graceful drives and well-placed strokes earned him a special place in cricket history. In ODIs, Ganguly scored 9157 runs in 241 innings as an opener, including 19 centuries.

2. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the 'Master Blaster,' graced the game with his exquisite strokes, including straight drives, cover drives, and square cuts. Tendulkar's 45 centuries in ODIs as an opener are a testament to his brilliance. In ODIs, he accumulated 15310 runs in 344 innings as an opener, with an average of 48.29.

1. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, the 'Little Master,' is a cricketing legend and the first Indian batsman to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Gavaskar's unwavering determination and impeccable technique allowed him to conquer the most challenging of conditions. In Tests, he scored 9607 runs as an opener, with a remarkable average of 50.29, including 33 centuries.

These ten opening batsmen have etched their names in Indian cricket history with their outstanding contributions. They have exemplified the art of opening the innings and have been pillars of strength for the Indian team. As fans, we continue to cherish their memorable performances, which have enriched the legacy of Indian cricket.