In a bold and unexpected twist to the ongoing debate over India’s greatest Indian Premier League (IPL) openers, former Team India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has delivered his own ranking of the top eight batters in the role, sparking conversation among cricket fans and analysts. The rankings, shared amid the 2026 IPL season, place SunRisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma at the top spot, a decision that has surprised many given the dominance of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the format. Meanwhile, two-time IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir finds himself at the bottom of the list, a placement that has drawn particular attention given his illustrious career.
The rankings, which were compiled in a recent video shared on X (formerly Twitter), have reignited discussions about the evolving landscape of IPL batting and the shifting perceptions of what defines greatness in the format. Bangar, known for his candid opinions and deep understanding of the game, has offered a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom. His list is not just a ranking of past performances but also a reflection on consistency, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities he believes define the best IPL openers.
What makes Bangar’s rankings particularly intriguing is the omission of two of the most celebrated names in IPL history: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli, the all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL with 9,040 runs and an average of 40, was placed at No. 2, while Sharma, the Mumbai Indians stalwart with 7,267 runs, secured the No. 5 spot. The decision to exclude them from the top spot underscores Bangar’s emphasis on other metrics beyond sheer run totals, such as strike rates, consistency in high-pressure situations, and the ability to anchor an innings.
Bangar’s top four includes KL Rahul (No. 4), Shubman Gill (No. 3), and Shikhar Dhawan (No. 6), all of whom have been recognized for their technical prowess and ability to set the tone for their teams. Gill, in particular, has been a standout performer in recent seasons, winning the Orange Cap in 2023 with 4,244 runs at an average of nearly 40. His inclusion at No. 3 highlights the growing influence of modern-day openers who combine power-hitting with tactical acumen.
Who Made the Cut? A Breakdown of Bangar’s Rankings
Bangar’s list is as follows:
- Abhishek Sharma (SunRisers Hyderabad): The explosive left-hander, known for his aggressive approach, tops the chart with 2,291 runs in his IPL career at an average of 29. His ability to score quickly and set the tone for his team’s innings has earned him this top spot.
- Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore / Delhi Capitals): Despite his record-breaking run tally, Kohli is placed second, a nod to his longevity and consistency but also a reflection of Bangar’s focus on other attributes.
- Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans): The current Gujarat Titans skipper and 2023 Orange Cap winner, Gill’s inclusion at No. 3 underscores his role as a modern-day anchor and finisher.
- KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants / Delhi Capitals): The elegant left-hander, known for his stroke play and ability to build innings, is placed fourth.
- Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians): The Mumbai Indians captain, with his unmatched experience and ability to deliver in clutch moments, secures the fifth spot.
- Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings): The former Indian opener, known for his aggressive batting and consistency, is placed sixth.
- Virender Sehwag (Delhi Daredevils): The aggressive opener, who scored 2,728 runs in his IPL career, is placed seventh.
- Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders): Despite his leadership and success as captain, Gambhir finds himself at the bottom of the list, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Bangar’s reasoning behind Gambhir’s placement at the bottom is rooted in the former KKR skipper’s career IPL statistics, which include 4,217 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 123.88. While these numbers are respectable, Bangar appears to have prioritized players who have demonstrated greater adaptability, higher strike rates, or more impactful performances in recent years.
Why This Ranking Matters
The IPL has evolved significantly since its inception in 2008, and so too have the expectations placed on openers. Modern-day openers are not just required to score runs but also to set the tone for the innings, manage the death overs, and adapt to varying match situations. Bangar’s rankings reflect this shift, emphasizing players who have excelled in these areas rather than those with the highest run totals.
For instance, Abhishek Sharma, who tops the list, is known for his ability to score quickly and put pressure on bowlers early in the innings. His inclusion at the top highlights the growing importance of aggressive openers in the T20 format. Similarly, Shubman Gill’s rise to No. 3 underscores the value of a well-rounded batsman who can anchor an innings while also contributing with the bat in the middle overs.
Gautam Gambhir’s placement at the bottom has generated significant discussion. Gambhir, a two-time IPL champion with KKR, was known for his leadership and ability to turn games around. However, his strike rate and consistency in recent years may have contributed to Bangar’s decision. This ranking serves as a reminder that even legendary players can be reassessed in light of evolving standards.
The Debate: Consistency vs. Run Totals
The controversy surrounding Bangar’s rankings stems from the debate over what truly defines greatness in the IPL. Traditional metrics, such as run totals and averages, have long been used to measure a player’s success. However, modern cricket places a premium on adaptability, strike rates, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Bangar’s rankings reflect this shift, prioritizing players who have demonstrated these qualities over those with the highest run tallies.
For example, Virat Kohli, who holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, is placed second. While his record-breaking achievements are undeniable, Bangar’s ranking suggests that other factors, such as consistency in recent seasons or the ability to perform in different formats, may be equally important. Similarly, Rohit Sharma, who has been a mainstay in the Mumbai Indians lineup for years, is placed fifth, indicating that even the most experienced players can be reassessed based on modern standards.
This debate is not unique to the IPL. In all forms of cricket, there is an ongoing conversation about how to measure greatness. Should players be judged solely on their run totals, or should other metrics, such as strike rates, consistency, and impact on the game, also be considered? Bangar’s rankings provide a fresh perspective on this question, challenging fans and analysts to reconsider what it means to be the best opener in the IPL.
What’s Next for IPL Openers?
As the 2026 IPL season continues, the conversation around openers is likely to evolve further. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul will have the opportunity to solidify their places in the rankings through their performances on the field. Meanwhile, veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may need to adapt their approaches to maintain their relevance in the ever-changing landscape of T20 cricket.
For fans, this ranking serves as a reminder that cricket is a dynamic sport, and the metrics used to measure success are constantly evolving. What was once considered great may no longer hold the same weight in the eyes of modern analysts and commentators. As the IPL continues to grow and innovate, so too will the standards by which players are judged.
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma tops the list, reflecting his aggressive and impactful approach as an opener.
- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are placed second and fifth, respectively, despite their record-breaking run totals.
- Shubman Gill’s inclusion at No. 3 highlights the growing importance of modern-day openers who combine power with tactical acumen.
- Gautam Gambhir’s placement at the bottom has sparked debate, emphasizing the evolving standards of greatness in the IPL.
- Bangar’s rankings reflect a shift toward valuing adaptability, strike rates, and consistency over sheer run totals.
The next checkpoint in this discussion will likely come as the 2026 IPL season progresses, with players continuing to prove their worth on the field. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these rankings hold up in light of future performances. For now, the conversation around India’s greatest IPL openers remains as dynamic and engaging as the sport itself.
What do you think of Bangar’s rankings? Do you agree with his choices, or would you have ranked the players differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on World Today Journal.