In the ever-evolving landscape of One Day International (ODI) cricket, certain partnerships stand out for their sheer dominance. Among them, India’s opening duo of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma has emerged as one of the most formidable in modern cricket. Their performances at the top of the order have set new benchmarks, leaving bowlers scrambling for answers.
A Partnership Built on Contrast and Complementarity
Gill and Sharma have opened together in just 28 ODIs, but their impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their combined tally of 1943 runs at an average of 71.96 puts them ahead of any other opening pair with at least 25 innings together. Only ten times in these 28 matches have they failed to provide India with a solid start of at least 50 runs.
The Numbers That Define Excellence
- Shubman Gill’s ODI average as an opener: 63.73
- Rohit Sharma’s ODI average as an opener: 55.21
- Combined average as an opening pair: 71.96
- Run rate when batting together: 7.0+ runs per over
- Comparison with the next-best pair: Bairstow-Roy’s World Cup-winning partnership, which falls behind in both average and strike rate
These statistics underscore how Gill and Sharma have redefined opening partnerships in ODI cricket. Their ability to sustain aggressive yet consistent run-scoring makes them a nightmare for opposition bowlers.
Two Styles, One Common Goal
What makes this partnership particularly effective is the distinct approach each player brings to the crease.
Rohit Sharma: The Aggressor
Sharma is renowned for his explosive starts, often clearing the infield with aerial shots. His ability to put bowlers under pressure early in the innings forces captains to adjust field placements, allowing Gill to settle in and play his natural game. In 2025 alone, Sharma has been striking at 120+ in ODIs, setting the tempo for the innings.
Shubman Gill: The Technician
Gill, on the other hand, prefers to work the gaps, relying on timing and placement rather than sheer power. His strike rate of 96.46 as an opener in 2025 might be lower than Rohit’s, but his staggering average of 136.50 speaks to his ability to anchor the innings while capitalizing on scoring opportunities. His recent performances include scores of 112, 60, and an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, demonstrating his adaptability and consistency.
A Case Study in Powerplay Domination
A perfect illustration of their partnership came against Bangladesh, where they stitched together a 69-run stand in just 9.5 overs. Rohit’s early aggression allowed Gill to settle into his innings, a dynamic that has become a hallmark of their approach. This complementary style forces opposition bowlers to rethink their strategies, as traditional plans rarely work against a pair so adept at exploiting different scoring areas.
Mental Resilience and Adaptability
While Gill struggled in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he failed to score big in five innings, his self-belief never wavered. Rather than overanalyzing his technique, he focused on the mental aspect of the game. His return to ODIs saw an immediate resurgence in form, further cementing his status as one of the premier openers in world cricket.
“I don’t think there was any flaw in my batting in Australia that I couldn’t score runs. Sometimes there is a mental aspect to it,” – Shubman Gill
This psychological strength is a testament to why he thrives in high-pressure situations, making his partnership with Rohit even more potent.
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What This Means for India’s Future
With the 2025 ICC tournaments looming, the Gill-Sharma duo is poised to play a defining role in India’s quest for silverware. Their ability to score freely in powerplays while maintaining long partnerships is a critical asset for India’s white-ball dominance.
As the numbers suggest, this opening partnership is more than just statistics—it represents a new era of ODI batting. If they continue at this pace, Gill and Sharma could etch their names among the greatest opening pairs in cricket history. For now, opposition teams can only watch and wonder how to stop them.
