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Rohit Sharma vs Saeed Anwar - Who is the better ODI batsmen?

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This looks a fair comparison now I believe. Statistically,

Rohit Sharma: -

Runs: 7217
Avg: - 47
SR: - 88
100s: - 20

Saeed Anwar: -

Runs: - 8824
Avg: - 39
SR: - 80
100s: - 20

Different era, different numbers. Who would you pick between the two?
 
Hard to say but I think Rohit Sharma is more determined then Saeed Anwar and is pushing above his weight while Saeed Anwar under achieved. He was much better than the numbers show.
 
I didn't watch anwar bat but from what i know he was elegant too. Avg difference is okay for that era.
 
Anwar was formidable back in the day but even so Rohit comfortably towers above him, and he isn't even done with his career. It's not yet a giggle inducing comparison but if Rohit monsters WC19 - a big IF - then it would turn laughable.
 
As great as Anwar was, Rohit has reached a different level in ODIs. He is actually pushing for a #2 position among the best Asian ODI openers.

Sharma has faced very inferior bowling attacks compared to Anwar so no comparison at at all

Anwar made merry against a weak Indian attack and regularly failed against the teams with best bowling attacks (Australia and South Africa) and could not score in New Zealand either.

There is no comparison here, but the other way around.
 
In modern day Cricket Saeed Anwar would have averaged above 50. Please keep in mind he played in an era all teams had ATG level bowlers unlike Sharma.

Against ATG level bowling Sharma averages 20 something.
 
Saeed Anwar was one of the best of his time same goes to Rohit. But overall i will rate Rohit Above Saeed.
 
Rohit is going to finish with monster numbers in ODIs, certainly the more consistent, albeit at his best in a relatively benign era for bowlers - sometimes the ball literally does nothing. A new ball from each end really took the biscuit.
 
In modern day Cricket Saeed Anwar would have averaged above 50. Please keep in mind he played in an era all teams had ATG level bowlers unlike Sharma.

Against ATG level bowling Sharma averages 20 something.

Define ATG level bowlers of today. And it's not that Saeed had great numbers against ATG attacks imo.
 
We can compare Rohit with Root, Kane, Warner & Dhawan in Odis. Kohli is level about them.

Serious Question - Is Rohit Sharma in Fab 5 for short formats?
 
Indian batsmen always better than us. Same goes with our fast bowlers to Indian fast bowlers (Except few exceptions).

Rohit is far superior batman than Anwar. Anwar has few high score compare to Rohit who is even capable to score 300 in his day.
 
I think Rohit extra gear and his consistency wins him this 1 for me. Rohit is the better ODI player.
 
Anwar was a brilliant ODI batsman. But Rohit Sharma has been better. Most of all, Rohit still has a long, long time.
 
Saeed Anwar was better than Tendulkar actually for many years.

Even had more or equal centuries at one point. He started fading early though, mostly because of his daughter's demise.


Saeed in this era would have averaged above 50.

Class batsman, very good against all types of bowling, and a true clutch player - always performed in ICC events as well.
 
This post is a bit like saying who is better - Tendulkar or Rohit Sharma in ODIs?


I can tell you that Rohit is way more dynamic, more impact, likely better stats. Don't get infuriated then.
 
Saeed Anwar was better than Tendulkar actually for many years.

Even had more or equal centuries at one point. He started fading early though, mostly because of his daughter's demise.


Saeed in this era would have averaged above 50.

Class batsman, very good against all types of bowling, and a true clutch player - always performed in ICC events as well.

False. I have my honest sympathies for him regarding that extremely unfortunate episode, but it happened in 2001. By that time, Sachin was miles ahead of Anwar, and I mean miles.
 
Lol this is getting poor now.
What next is Shaikhar Dhawan better than Sachin Tendulkar?

There is only 1 top odi bowler currently and that is Mitchel Starc. Saaed and Anwar played against dozens of those in pacers friendly conditions.
 
I am not sure if Anwar played any game below 1/2 , but Sharma has played games as non-opener.

What's the record of both batsmen as an opener?
 
Anwar had very poor fitness. Something I believe made him underachieve. I have seen him many times lose concentration or huff and puff once he reached his 50.

Rohit looks chubby, but the man never tires. He appears to become fresher after reaching his 100.

Back in 90's also, the ODI pitches were very flat. Bowling was better than today's, but you should also take into note that fielding was appalling barring SA and Aus during that period.

Anwar could never decimate bowling attacks even on his best days. Rohit has that extra gear that no one in the world possesses barring ABD.

Overall, I believe Rohit is slightly better now. But it will not be up for discussion 2 years from now. Rohit will retire as an ATG ODI player with an average of over 50 and 35 centuries to his name.
 
Comparing raw data without context is not very useful. Here is rating trend of both which takes average & strike rate in context relative to peers and also accounts for strength of opposition.


If Sharma hangs his boot right now, Anwar will be ahead without any hesitation.

Anwar.jpg

It's clear that Sharma has caught up to Anwar's level in just the last 2-3 years. Slight higher rating, but just in the last 2-3 years. Otherwise he had very inferior rating trend.

If Sharma can continue his current trend for 4-5 years then he will have a case.
 
I am not sure if Anwar played any game below 1/2 , but Sharma has played games as non-opener.

What's the record of both batsmen as an opener?

Sharma became an opener when he was 26. His numbers before that were terrible to say the least.

As an opener though, he averages 57 I think but this also coincide with his peak period.
 
I am not sure if Anwar played any game below 1/2 , but Sharma has played games as non-opener.

What's the record of both batsmen as an opener?

Rohit averages 58 as an opener with a strike rate of 92 and 18 hundreds. Anwar averages 40 at a rate of 80 and 20 hundreds.

Statistically Rohit is far ahead no matter what metric you use.
 
Sharma became an opener when he was 26. His numbers before that were terrible to say the least.

As an opener though, he averages 57 I think but this also coincide with his peak period.

Rohit averages 58 as an opener with a strike rate of 92 and 18 hundreds. Anwar averages 40 at a rate of 80 and 20 hundreds.

Statistically Rohit is far ahead no matter what metric you use.

Thanks.

So his peak is as an opener and number look better for sure. But when comparing players, we can't leave out his first 7-8 years and only compare peak.

Right now, if Rohit hangs his boot, there is no hesitation for me to say that Anwar had a better career. If Sharma keeps it for another few years then situation will change.
 
Comparing raw data without context is not very useful. Here is rating trend of both which takes average & strike rate in context relative to peers and also accounts for strength of opposition.


If Sharma hangs his boot right now, Anwar will be ahead without any hesitation.

View attachment 84750

It's clear that Sharma has caught up to Anwar's level in just the last 2-3 years. Slight higher rating, but just in the last 2-3 years. Otherwise he had very inferior rating trend.

If Sharma can continue his current trend for 4-5 years then he will have a case.

Bring out the same graph, of Rohit vs. Sachin Tendulkar.

And, do not channge any variables.
 
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Bring out the same graph, of Rohit vs. Sachin Tendulkar.

And, do not channge any variables.

Here you go,

sharma.jpg

One thing you have to note that graph can be comparing 15 years vs 5 years and yet they will appear covering entire area. For example, in this comparison, SRT's career has graph of 10+ years in range of 750-880. If some one has just 2 years of cricket in that range then you have to notice that and not see both graphs as the same despite graphs covering the same area.
 
In 1999 World Cup Anwar even outperformed Sachin. Some people had genuine reasons to put him above TenduLara
 
Saeed Anwar was better than Tendulkar actually for many years.

Even had more or equal centuries at one point. He started fading early though, mostly because of his daughter's demise.


Saeed in this era would have averaged above 50.

Class batsman, very good against all types of bowling, and a true clutch player - always performed in ICC events as well.

Saeed anwar better than Tendulkar 😂😂
Only on PP forum
 
Anwar is arguably the greatest Pakistan odi batsmen of all-time.

Abbas didn't played enough which is why many don't put him that high and Anwar is better than Minadad and Inzy as far as ODIs are concerned.

So, if you are better than Anwar, you are better than anyone from Pakistan in one-day cricket.
 
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As good as Anwar was, Rohit is in his own league. He’s pushing for the spot of greatest ODI opener of all time.
 
Here you go,

View attachment 84760

One thing you have to note that graph can be comparing 15 years vs 5 years and yet they will appear covering entire area. For example, in this comparison, SRT's career has graph of 10+ years in range of 750-880. If some one has just 2 years of cricket in that range then you have to notice that and not see both graphs as the same despite graphs covering the same area.

So, basically, Rohit harma is pretty close to overtaking Sachin Tendulkar. And can do it if he continues to play. But if he stops today, he will be behind.

Just like he's close to Saeed Anwar and if he continues to play and retain top ranking, he can overtake.
 
Saeed Anwar was better than Tendulkar actually for many years.

Even had more or equal centuries at one point. He started fading early though, mostly because of his daughter's demise.


Saeed in this era would have averaged above 50.

Class batsman, very good against all types of bowling, and a true clutch player - always performed in ICC events as well.

1996 WC , India vs Kenya at Cuttack. IIRC Sachin had 4 centuries at that time
1996 WC, Pak v UAE - Anwar had 8 centuries back then! Remember it very well coz I always had time for Anwar. Classy batsman. Ferocious cutter and had magic wrists.

Anwar also scored 3 back to back hundreds at Sharjah in 93 which earned him the nickname desert fox.

Having said that Sachin only started opening the batting in 94.
 
Saeed anwar better than Tendulkar ����
Only on PP forum

Don't ridicule a post without giving it a thought. Before 1996 he was indeed better. Sachin became a beast after 1996.
 
So, basically, Rohit harma is pretty close to overtaking Sachin Tendulkar. And can do it if he continues to play. But if he stops today, he will be behind.

Just like he's close to Saeed Anwar and if he continues to play and retain top ranking, he can overtake.

Not sure how you came to that conclusion. SRT's graph is much higher than Anwar's graph. Rohit's has to do a lot more to overtake SRT than overtaking Anwar. Right now he is behind both.
 
The fact is, cricket has changed a lot.

These modern openers (Dhawan, Sharma, 3 English guys, Fakhar, Warner etc.) are extremely fit (which Saeed Anwar lacked). Bigger bats and modern rules ensure that they can go after bowlers easily.

I have absolutely no doubt that late 90s early 00s Afridi, Sanath or Aussie openers would have similar kind of batting stats as modern players.

Even from Youtube videos, it is apparent that Saeed Anwar had timing and all shots a lefty can play.

Who is better ODI batsman? I'd say: Sharma. But that doesn't mean Anwar wouldn't be a beast as well if he debuted in last decade.
 
Anwar was never better than Tendulkar
#Fact

Difference between these was not that much till 1995. SRT coming as an opener took him to another level.

Till 1995:

SRT - Avg 36 & SR 81
Anwar - Avg 33 & SR 77
 
It is not even a contest, Sharma wins it hands down. Anwar while good for Pakistan is no way in league of ATG in any era.
 
Difference between these was not that much till 1995. SRT coming as an opener took him to another level.

Till 1995:

SRT - Avg 36 & SR 81
Anwar - Avg 33 & SR 77

This numbers further proved that Anwar was never better than Tendulkar..
 
1996 WC , India vs Kenya at Cuttack. IIRC Sachin had 4 centuries at that time
1996 WC, Pak v UAE - Anwar had 8 centuries back then! Remember it very well coz I always had time for Anwar. Classy batsman. Ferocious cutter and had magic wrists.

Anwar also scored 3 back to back hundreds at Sharjah in 93 which earned him the nickname desert fox.

Having said that Sachin only started opening the batting in 94.

True.

Parosis are jumping up and down on this post, however, if you talk about the possibility of Rohit being similar or better (in near future) than SRT based on just stats, they'll go into hiding.


Not sure how you came to that conclusion. SRT's graph is much higher than Anwar's graph. Rohit's has to do a lot more to overtake SRT than overtaking Anwar. Right now he is behind both.

SRT's graph is indeed higher, Saeed had stopped playing, could have done way better.

But, my point is, if Rohit continues to play, his graph at this stage will eventually touch or go above Tendulkar's.

Kohli's already has, most likely.

And Kohli is a far better batsman at least in ODIs than Tendulkar, which many IND folks are not ready to accept.
 
True.

Parosis are jumping up and down on this post, however, if you talk about the possibility of Rohit being similar or better (in near future) than SRT based on just stats, they'll go into hiding.




SRT's graph is indeed higher, Saeed had stopped playing, could have done way better.

But, my point is, if Rohit continues to play, his graph at this stage will eventually touch or go above Tendulkar's.

Kohli's already has, most likely.

And Kohli is a far better batsman at least in ODIs than Tendulkar, which many IND folks are not ready to accept.

Rohit's can do very well, but we can't ignore his first 8 years of career. His career will be a combination of first 8 years and the last 8 years, both. To over take SRT he has to not go slightly above in his last 8 years, he has to go lot more higher because he is lot more behind in his first 8 years. That's why I don't think he can do it.

To lesser extend, the same is true when we are comparing with Anwar, but he has to overtake by a lesser margin. Still it's going to be very hard. Many posters are assuming too much about Rohit's long term record due to him being a very good form for the last few years.

Kohli does have a solid case to retire with a higher stature than SRT.
 
Don't Judge There Stats By Just ODI Saeed Anwar Was Great Opener He Is Only Player With Consecutive 3 Hundreds 2 Time Today's Rohit Sharma Unable To Do That In Flat Pitches Against Minnows...

All Cricket Fans Know Rohit Is Walking Wicket In SENA Countries In Test But Saeed Anwar Played Great Innings In SENA Averaged 50 In Australia Also...
 
Rohit's can do very well, but we can't ignore his first 8 years of career. His career will be a combination of first 8 years and the last 8 years, both. To over take SRT he has to not go slightly above in his last 8 years, he has to go lot more higher because he is lot more behind in his first 8 years. That's why I don't think he can do it.

To lesser extend, the same is true when we are comparing with Anwar, but he has to overtake by a lesser margin. Still it's going to be very hard. Many posters are assuming too much about Rohit's long term record due to him being a very good form for the last few years.

Kohli does have a solid case to retire with a higher stature than SRT.


I'm glad you're being objective here, and unlike other parosis not giving in to emotions or patriotism.

It remains to be seen what Rohit will do, and for a good amount of time, before he can even be considered better than Saeed Anwar.

Of course - this -can- happen in future, there's a possibility. Just like there's possibility he can surpass Tendulkar. There's a difference in the likelihood as well like you mentioned.

[MENTION=146951]Peshwa[/MENTION] [MENTION=139108]Sachin136[/MENTION] [MENTION=133315]Hitman[/MENTION] [MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] y'all need to read the above posts.
 
True.

Parosis are jumping up and down on this post, however, if you talk about the possibility of Rohit being similar or better (in near future) than SRT based on just stats, they'll go into hiding.




SRT's graph is indeed higher, Saeed had stopped playing, could have done way better.

But, my point is, if Rohit continues to play, his graph at this stage will eventually touch or go above Tendulkar's.

Kohli's already has, most likely.

And Kohli is a far better batsman at least in ODIs than Tendulkar, which many IND folks are not ready to accept.

Obsession of parosis to compare every players numbers with master is legendary
 
Saeed Anwar against SENA countries in their own home -

Matches - 38

Average - 22.27

Hundreds - 0

Average in South Africa - 11.66

Rohit sharma in SENA countries in their own home -

Matches - 29

Average - 46.50

Hundreds - 5

People are right, there is no competition at all. Rohit over Saeed Anwar any day.
 
Don't Judge There Stats By Just ODI Saeed Anwar Was Great Opener He Is Only Player With Consecutive 3 Hundreds 2 Time Today's Rohit Sharma Unable To Do That In Flat Pitches Against Minnows...

All Cricket Fans Know Rohit Is Walking Wicket In SENA Countries In Test But Saeed Anwar Played Great Innings In SENA Averaged 50 In Australia Also...

Saeed Anwar averaged 16.85 in Australia.
 
Saeed Anwar against SENA countries in their own home -

Matches - 38

Average - 22.27

Hundreds - 0

Average in South Africa - 11.66

Rohit sharma in SENA countries in their own home -

Matches - 29

Average - 46.50

Hundreds - 5

People are right, there is no competition at all. Rohit over Saeed Anwar any day.

But Once upon a time Anwar was better player than Tendulkar

-Parosis
 
The incredible thing about rohit's batting in ODI's is his six hitting ability. Hits more than a six every match which is the 2nd highest by any cricketer ever except Kieron Pollard. But even amongst those with good six hitting ability amongst contemporary batsmen - Buttler,Finch, Guptill, Morgan,AB etc. - Rohit has, comfortably, the 2nd highest batting average - 47.AB is the highest at 52 odd. It's surprising that he manages to average that high with such risky cricket. Even more surprising when you consider that since 2013, he averages almost 60 with the bat.
 
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Comparing raw data without context is not very useful. Here is rating trend of both which takes average & strike rate in context relative to peers and also accounts for strength of opposition.


If Sharma hangs his boot right now, Anwar will be ahead without any hesitation.

View attachment 84750

It's clear that Sharma has caught up to Anwar's level in just the last 2-3 years. Slight higher rating, but just in the last 2-3 years. Otherwise he had very inferior rating trend.

If Sharma can continue his current trend for 4-5 years then he will have a case.

Not sure how good is it an idea to compare the graphs of 2 cricketers from different eras.

The kind of bowlers, pitches and the nature of the game has changed.

There has to be more than just stats or numbers to it.

Having said that, I too think that Rohit needs to do this for 2-3 years more before being called better than Saeed Anwar. Rohit needs to do it a little longer to considered above Anwar. So, I am probably wrong about not using 2 graphs to compare players of 2 different eras.
 
Not sure how good is it an idea to compare the graphs of 2 cricketers from different eras.

The kind of bowlers, pitches and the nature of the game has changed.

There has to be more than just stats or numbers to it.

Having said that, I too think that Rohit needs to do this for 2-3 years more before being called better than Saeed Anwar. Rohit needs to do it a little longer to considered above Anwar. So, I am probably wrong about not using 2 graphs to compare players of 2 different eras.

Comparing within era is always more reliable, but comparing across era may put things in perspective. It's less reliable for sure when you do it across eras, but still it's not simple raw stats and left up to judgement or bias. It still takes relative contribution of players in each match, opposition strength etc. So kind of normalizes it.

It will have it's flaws, but if one graph looks vastly superior than other then we need to stop and think. It's still an objective criterion with some context.
 
The kind of bowlers, pitches and the nature of the game has changed.

It will be true for every single player. Given that it's true for every single player and if you maintain a rating of 750+ for long time then you have to be very good. Reverse is also true, if past or future players are not able to maintain a rating of 750+ for a long period then calling them an ATG means posters are simply biased. I have seen that as well.

These ratings are not really deciding factor in all comparisons, but does provide a good sanity check due to being objective, having context and being non-biased.

But I agree that if it's far more useful when comparing players in same era.
 
Lol Anwar did not play in an era of 2 new balls, power plays, lack of quality ATG bowlers. His stats would be much better in this era.
 
I'm glad you're being objective here, and unlike other parosis not giving in to emotions or patriotism.

I will have only 1/4th of patriotism for Indian players if you can call it that. I have seen many rational posters from all countries here so will treat posters individually and not based on ethnicity or country of origin.
 
Anwar had very poor fitness. Something I believe made him underachieve. I have seen him many times lose concentration or huff and puff once he reached his 50.

Rohit looks chubby, but the man never tires. He appears to become fresher after reaching his 100.

Back in 90's also, the ODI pitches were very flat. Bowling was better than today's, but you should also take into note that fielding was appalling barring SA and Aus during that period.

Anwar could never decimate bowling attacks even on his best days. Rohit has that extra gear that no one in the world possesses barring ABD.

Overall, I believe Rohit is slightly better now. But it will not be up for discussion 2 years from now. Rohit will retire as an ATG ODI player with an average of over 50 and 35 centuries to his name.

Anwar played in an era where fitness standards were nothing compared to today. Its like comparing apples and oranges. What wouldn't Pakistan do to have a player like Saeed Anwar today.
 
Anwar played in an era where fitness standards were nothing compared to today. Its like comparing apples and oranges. What wouldn't Pakistan do to have a player like Saeed Anwar today.

Pakistan would love to have player like Anwar today but it does not mean he was better than Rohit.
 
Lol Anwar did not play in an era of 2 new balls, power plays, lack of quality ATG bowlers. His stats would be much better in this era.

No excuse can make up for the fact that Anwar averages a disgusting 11 and 16 against South Africa and Australia in their home.
 
Purely if we look at talent , Sharma is ahead of even Kohli.

On flat pitches he is a unstoppable beast when on song.
 
Saeed anwar better than Tendulkar ����
Only on PP forum

Don't ridicule a post without giving it a thought. Before 1996 he was indeed better. Sachin became a beast after 1996.

Anwar was never better than Tendulkar
#Fact

If you look at the ratings graphs posted by [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] you will see that prior to 1996 Anwar never crossed the red line (rating of 750) while SRT had gone way past it.
 
Let us get some of things stick into our mind regarding both: -

Saeed Anwar: -

His average in SENA countries explains us that he was very poor outside Asia in 90s but it is also a fact that someone like SRT also had poor numbers in SENA outside Asia. I have no doubt that Sharma would have had as poor numbers in SENA if he played in 90s as well.

However, Anwar record against Australia and South Africa anywhere is poor as well, average of 23 and 17 respectively but even Jayasuriya also has poor average of 22 and 25 against these two teams. Tendulkar though has done well against them in Asia and he also had a hundred in 96 WC match against McGrath but in a losing cause. This is one of the reasons I question the understanding of people who put Jayasuriya or Anwar ahead of say, ABD.

Rohit Sharma:-

Anyone who has followed his cricket over his career can conclude that he always had issues when the conditions are tougher for batsmen and I have no doubt that he would have found it harder against McGrath, Lee and Warne even in home conditions . A 150 vs Steyn in one-day cricket at home conditions on flat wicket isn't enough to discard this fact.

Point is if we have to conclude on both, Rohit and Anwar both are devastating batsmen on their day but they are quite susceptible to some really high quality bowling attack or when the conditions are bowling friendly. This is a different era altogether and it is easier for batting, and there is a reason why benchmark of 40+ averages have turned into 50s. This SENA comparison can't be straight forward.

Actually, I find both of them similar and hence it is hard to pick really. The spot for all time Asian XI has Sachin and the second opener is a fight between Jayasuriya, Anwar, Ganguly and Rohit. Even Dhawan, although Sharma has overshadowed Dhawan since 2013 and before that, Dhawan wasn't part of team while Rohit was. However, I do think Dhawan would have put up relatively better results than what Rohit put up after 80 innings till 2013 in odi cricket.
 
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