5 greatest ODI openers of all time

Sanath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya revolutionised the role of an opener in ODIs

A buccaneering batsman who let loose irrespective of situation or opponents, Jayasuriya wasn’t called a ‘Marauder’ for nothing. Slightly built but laden with immense power and tremendous hand-eye harmony, he was a pioneer-of-sorts in the 50-overs format, combining with Romesh Kaluwitharana to redefine the role of a pinch-hitter.

For more than two decades, Jayasuriya kept churning runs for the Lankans (while contributing admirably, and oddly, underrated with the ball). The move to the top of the order, however, came only four years after his debut (in 1993).

Part of the 1996 World Cup winning team, Jayasuriya was brutal on the off-side, using his short height to get under the delivery and launch it over the infield. He could flick anything that landed on the stumps to the leg side, frequently sending it sailing into the square leg stands.