Who Is the Greatest IPL Opener? Sanjay Bangar Makes Shocking Choice

A Bold Claim in the T20 Era

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament defined by its legends, and few names carry as much weight as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. For years, these two have been the pillars of Indian batting, setting records and defining the standard for consistency. However, as the 2026 season reaches its peak, former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar has ignited a fiery debate by suggesting that neither of these stalwarts holds the title of the greatest opener in the league’s history.

The Rise of Abhishek Sharma

In a recent conversation with ESPN Cricinfo, Bangar was asked to rank the premier openers in the IPL. In a move that surprised many, he placed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) young sensation, Abhishek Sharma, at the very top of his list. The ranking provided by Bangar was: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Shubman Gill, 4. KL Rahul, 5. Rohit Sharma, 6. Shikhar Dhawan, 7. Virender Sehwag, 8. Gautam Gambhir.

This ranking is not merely a preference; it is a statement on how the game of cricket is fundamentally changing. Bangar explained that his decision is rooted in the demands of modern T20 cricket, where aggression and strike rate are prioritized over traditional batting roles.

Impact Over Longevity

Why would a coach favor a youngster over proven legends like Kohli and Sharma? Bangar argues that the modern game demands a player who can dominate from the very first ball. While Kohli and Rohit have mastered the ‘anchor’ role, often prioritizing stability and longevity in their innings, Abhishek Sharma represents the ‘impact-first’ philosophy.

“I think based on how T20 has evolved, that would be the right mix and the right way to go about it,” Bangar stated. His logic highlights a clear divide in cricketing philosophies: one that values the accumulated runs of legends, and another that champions the explosive, high-strike-rate approach that defines contemporary powerplay mastery.

The Statistical Reality

When we look at the raw numbers, the debate becomes even more complex. Shikhar Dhawan currently holds the record for the most runs in the IPL as an opener, boasting an incredible 6,362 runs. David Warner follows with 5,910, while Virat Kohli sits at 5,388 runs. Statistically, the legends still dominate the record books.

However, the 2026 season tells a different story regarding current form. Abhishek Sharma has been electric, amassing 440 runs in 10 innings with an average of 48.88, including a century and three fifties. Virat Kohli remains in the mix with 379 runs in 9 innings, while Rohit Sharma, hampered by a hamstring injury earlier in the season, has scored 221 runs in 5 innings. While Rohit and Kohli maintain higher averages, Abhishek’s strike rate and fearless intent have made him the standout performer of the current cycle.

Looking Ahead

While Sanjay Bangar’s assessment is certainly controversial, it underscores a shift in how experts evaluate T20 talent. We are entering an era where the ability to change a game in just six overs is considered more valuable than playing a long, calculated innings. Abhishek Sharma is undoubtedly a talent to watch, and as he continues his journey, fans and critics alike will be tracking whether his explosive style can be sustained at the highest level.

Is Bangar right to look past the experience of Kohli and Rohit? Or is the weight of their long-term success too significant to ignore? One thing is certain: the conversation surrounding what makes an ‘opener’ successful has changed forever, and the IPL 2026 season is proving to be the perfect battleground for this new school of thought.