The first ODI between India and South Africa on November 30, 2025, was supposed to be a fresh start for the Men in Blue after a tough Test series. But the day belonged to Rohit Sharma, who, in his characteristic flashy style, managed to etch his name into the history books and spark a social media frenzy—all before lunch!
Table of Contents
- Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock
- The Curious DRS Decision That Stole the Show
- Why Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Keeps Growing
- The Impact on India’s ODI Campaign
- Conclusion
- Sources
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock
On a sunny day in South Africa, Rohit Sharma did what he does best: make a statement. His 57-run innings was far more than just a scorecard entry. It was a historic milestone-fest.
First, he brought up his 60th ODI half-century , a testament to his incredible consistency at the top of the order for over a decade and a half. This wasn’t just any fifty; it was his third consecutive 50+ score in the ODI format .
But the real fireworks came moments later. On his way to that fifty, Rohit launched a massive six over the ropes, his 352nd in ODI cricket. This single shot was enough to dethrone Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, who had held the record for the most sixes in ODI history with 351 .
Here’s a look at the all-time ODI six-hitters list:
| Rank | Player | Country | Total Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India | 352 (and counting) |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 351 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 331 |
This achievement cements Rohit Sharma‘s status as the most prolific six-hitter the 50-over game has ever seen . For fans of pure power-hitting, this is the ultimate statistic.
The Curious DRS Decision That Stole the Show
Ironically, for many fans glued to their screens, the biggest talking point wasn’t the record but a bizarre on-field incident. Just as Rohit looked to be building a solid partnership, he was given out LBW.
What happened next was pure cricketing theatre. Rohit immediately turned to his long-time batting partner and friend, Virat Kohli, for a second opinion on whether or not to challenge the umpire’s call with a DRS review.
According to reports, Kohli, after a brief but intense discussion, gave a definitive “no” . Trusting his teammate’s judgment implicitly, Rohit simply turned and walked off the field without a second thought.
This moment of silent communication between two of India’s greatest batsmen captivated fans and commentators alike. Was Kohli certain it was hitting the stumps? Did Rohit have a feeling he was out? The ambiguity of the exchange, captured perfectly by the broadcast cameras, became an instant viral moment .
Why Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Keeps Growing
At 38, many players are contemplating retirement. Not Rohit Sharma. He’s busy setting new benchmarks and reminding everyone why he’s called the “Hitman.” His ability to not just score runs but to do it in such a monumental fashion is what separates him from his peers.
Beyond the sixes, his 60 ODI fifties are a crucial part of his legacy. This places him among an elite group of batsmen who have combined longevity with explosive, match-winning ability .
The Impact on India’s ODI Campaign
This three-match series against South Africa is a critical reset for India after their Test series loss. Having senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fire at the top of the order provides a massive psychological boost to the entire team .
Even though his innings was cut short by that LBW decision, the confidence he displayed, the records he broke, and the positive start he gave India will be invaluable for the rest of the series. His form is a key indicator of India’s chances in the upcoming World Cup cycle.
For more on the state of Indian cricket, check out our deep dive into the [INTERNAL_LINK:team-india-odis-future] future.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s 57 in the first ODI against South Africa was a masterclass in impact cricket. In a short span, he secured his 60th ODI fifty, claimed the all-time record for most sixes, and was involved in a DRS moment that will be talked about for weeks. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the twilight of a glittering career, the Hitman can still dominate the headlines and the game itself.
Sources
- ESPNcricinfo – ODI Batting Records
- Times of India. “Kohli says no, Rohit walks: DRS moment steals spotlight”. Article Link
- Web Search Results , , , [[23], [28]]