10 middle-order batsmen who became great openers

Virender Sehwag

Sehwag was the first Indian to have scored a triple century in Tests.

With a lack of feet movement, Sehwag was deemed unfit to play in swinging conditions, that too against the new ball. Hence, it was surprising when the hard-hitting batsman was promoted up the order to face the shining red cherry. He had made his debut at No. 6, scoring a century in only his first Test innings at Bloemfontein. Part of the middle order for the first five Tests, he was asked to open at Lord's in 2002.

He responded with a blistering 84 and carried on the form with his second Test century in the very next match. A 195 against a top-notch pace attack in Australia showed his true potential. However, his breakthrough moment came in March 2004, when he changed the way openers batted, pounding bowlers of varying specialities on his way to 309, the first triple ton by an Indian. Sehwag served Indian cricket in his own unique way, setting up matches single-handedly with his "no holds barred" approach.