Indian openers dominate 2017 scoring charts
2017 has been one of the best years for Indian cricket and the credit for it is due to the fantastic performances of the opening duo Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The Indian openers have been in red hot form and boast the second most ODI runs as openers in 2017. Here is a detailed analysis of the record breaking pair.
Rohit and Dhawan is the best opening pair
Dhawan and Rohit have the most number of century stands (9) as openers in 2017. The duo has been miles ahead of the other openers; the second highest century stands are by Sri Lankan and South African openers; 3 each to their name. India's opening pair also boast conversion rate of 90.00 which is the best by any team.
2017 has been Rohit's best year
Rohit Sharma, whose third double hundred in the last ODI, is still fresh in our memories has 1286 runs to his name this year in 20 matches at a stunning average of 75.64. 6 of his 16 ODI centuries have been scored this year. Shikhar Dhawan too has been in tremendous touch scoring 860 runs at an average of 43.
The curious case of Rohit Sharma
There is no doubt about Rohit Sharma's talent, but the Mumbai batsman failed to justify his selection for years. Until 2012, the right handed batsman had played 86 matches for India scoring just 1978 runs at a poor average of 30.43. His average was the worst among all Indian players who had scored 1000 or more runs in ODIs
The resurgence of Rohit Sharma
Rohit's fortunes changed once he was promoted to open the batting for India by MS Dhoni in 2013. Since then, Rohit has bagged a massive 4439 runs in 87 matches at an average of 58.40 in the 50 over format of the game, which is second only to Virat Kohli world wide. Rohit has also smashed 14 tons, a 100 every six games.
High scoring game on the cards?
Shifting focus to the Vizag ODI, India have been unbeaten in their last 7 bilateral ODI series and will be determined to keep that streak intact. Vizag has been a happy hunting ground for India, having won 5 out of the 6 ODIs. Vizag's pitch typically favours batsmen so we could have another high scoring game on the cards.
