BCCI Ex-Coach Sanjay Bangar Picks Greatest IPL Opener: Why Abhishek Sharma Tops Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
A New Era of T20 Cricket: Bangar’s Bold Stance
The Indian Premier League has always been a battleground for the best of the best, but a recent statement from former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar has set the cricketing fraternity ablaze. In an era dominated by the legendary status of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Bangar has cast his vote for the future: SRH youngster Abhishek Sharma. This isn’t just a casual opinion; it is a fundamental re-evaluation of what makes an ‘opener’ truly great in the modern T20 landscape.
Why Abhishek Sharma Over the Legends?
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Bangar presented a ranking that shifted the focus from legacy and volume of runs to the sheer impact and intent required for modern cricket. His top-tier list places Abhishek Sharma at the pinnacle, followed by Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rohit Sharma. But what fuels this controversial ranking?
Bangar’s logic is rooted in the shifting demands of the shortest format. While Kohli and Rohit are widely considered the ‘pillars’ of Indian cricket, their approach is often grounded in a more traditional, anchor-heavy philosophy. In contrast, Abhishek Sharma represents the ‘new-age’ T20 batter—someone who looks to dominate the powerplay from the very first ball with an aggressive strike rate that forces bowlers onto the back foot immediately.
The Evolution of the Opening Role
For years, the gold standard for an IPL opener was consistency—scoring high totals while remaining steady through the innings. Statisticians often point to names like Shikhar Dhawan, who leads the charts with 6,362 runs as an opener, or David Warner with 5,910. Virat Kohli himself has amassed 5,388 runs in the role. However, Bangar argues that the game has evolved beyond mere aggregate scoring.
“I think based on how T20 has evolved, that would be the right mix and the right way to go about it,” Bangar explained. His assessment focuses on ‘impact over longevity,’ suggesting that in today’s game, the ability to capitalize on the powerplay overs is more valuable than batting through the middle overs at a controlled pace.
Stat Check: IPL 2026 Season Performance
The numbers from the ongoing IPL 2026 season provide a compelling backdrop to this debate. Abhishek Sharma has been in scintillating form, sitting comfortably in the race for the Orange Cap with 440 runs in 10 innings. Averaging 48.88, his tally includes a spectacular century and three fifties, proving he isn’t just about intent—he is producing results.
Virat Kohli, ever the consistent performer, remains right in the thick of the action with 379 runs in 9 innings at an impressive average of 54.14. Rohit Sharma, despite his undeniable class, has seen his 2026 campaign interrupted by a hamstring injury. With 221 runs in 5 innings, Rohit has shown flashes of brilliance, including a vintage performance against LSG, but the injury break has slowed his momentum compared to the aggressive rhythm of Abhishek Sharma.
Is the Debate Settled?
While Bangar’s assessment has ruffled feathers among fans of Kohli and Rohit, it serves as a wake-up call regarding the direction in which T20 cricket is heading. The game is becoming increasingly fast-paced, and players who can maintain a high strike rate from the outset are becoming the most prized assets in any franchise.
Of course, Abhishek Sharma is still in the nascent stages of his career compared to the seasoned veterans he has been ranked against. Only time will tell if he can sustain this level of performance over the next decade as Kohli and Rohit have. However, for now, the debate is well and truly alive. Is the role of an opener evolving into a position for high-risk, high-reward aggression, or will the masters of consistency always remain at the top of the food chain? One thing is certain: the conversation has shifted, and the ‘young guns’ are no longer content with waiting in the shadows of the legends.
