In a moment that will be etched in cricketing history, Rohit Sharma has once again rewritten the record books. With a towering maximum during India’s 17-run victory over South Africa, the Indian captain launched his 352nd six in ODI cricket, officially dethroning Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi as the format’s biggest six-hitter of all time .
But this milestone is about more than just a number. It’s a testament to a profound transformation in Sharma’s batting philosophy—one that his long-time teammate and former India great, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been watching with keen interest.
Table of Contents
- The Record Breaker: Sharma Surpasses Afridi
- Ashwin’s Key Insight on Rohit’s Transformation
- The Match That Sealed History: India vs. South Africa
- What Does the Future Hold for Sharma?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Record Breaker: Sharma Surpasses Afridi
Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 ODI sixes, a benchmark that stood for years, was always seen as a target for the modern game’s power hitters. Rohit Sharma, with his elegant yet brutal cover drives and straight sixes, was the prime candidate to break it. He didn’t just match Afridi’s tally; he surpassed it in style and with remarkable efficiency.
While Afridi took 369 innings to reach his 351 sixes, Rohit achieved his 352nd in just 269 innings—a staggering 100 innings fewer . This efficiency is a direct reflection of the evolution of ODI cricket and Sharma’s own role in accelerating that change. His ability to find the boundary, especially over the ropes, has become a cornerstone of India’s aggressive white-ball strategy.
Ashwin’s Key Insight on Rohit’s Transformation
So, what fueled this metamorphosis of Rohit Sharma from a classy opener into a certified six-hitting machine? According to R. Ashwin, the pivotal moment was a personal landmark: his double century.
“He changed completely after that double hundred,” Ashwin is quoted as saying, referring to Sharma’s record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 . That innings wasn’t just a personal best; it was a psychological breakthrough that unlocked a new level of confidence and a fearless approach to his batting.
Ashwin has often praised Sharma’s selfless leadership and his ability to adapt his game for the team’s benefit, calling him a “special person” and an “outstanding leader” . This transformation into a power-hitter is seen by many, including Ashwin, as a strategic evolution that has redefined the batting frontier for India in white-ball cricket . The focus shifted from just building an innings to dominating from the outset, a philosophy that has been central to India’s recent ODI successes.
The Match That Sealed History: India vs. South Africa
The historic six wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was part of a crucial team performance. The landmark was reached during the 2nd ODI of the South Africa tour of India at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on December 3, 2025 .
In a high-pressure chase, Sharma’s aggressive start set the platform for the innings. His vital partnership with Virat Kohli was instrumental in guiding India to a 17-run victory, a win that gave them a 2-0 lead in the series . This context makes the record even more significant—it wasn’t achieved in a dead rubber but in a match of real consequence, showcasing Sharma’s ability to deliver when it matters most.
What Does the Future Hold for Sharma?
With the record now his, the question on everyone’s mind is: how far can Rohit Sharma go? His career stats are already the stuff of legend:
- Over 10,000 ODI runs
- Three double centuries in the format
- And now, the title of the most prolific six-hitter in ODI history
As he continues to lead India in all formats, his focus will likely remain on team success. However, his personal milestones, like this one, serve as powerful symbols of his enduring class and evolving power. His journey is a masterclass for any aspiring cricketer, proving that a player can refine and reinvent their game even at the highest level. For fantasy cricket managers, Sharma remains a top-tier pick, and his legacy in cricket history is being written with every match.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s ascent to the top of the ODI sixes list is more than a statistical achievement. It’s a story of personal evolution, strategic adaptation, and a fearless mindset that was catalyzed by a legendary double hundred. With the backing and insight of teammates like R. Ashwin, Sharma has not only broken a long-standing record but has also cemented his status as one of the most dynamic and influential batters of his generation. His 352nd six is not an endpoint, but a powerful statement of his ongoing dominance in the game.