In a breathtaking display of power-hitting that has rewritten the cricket history books, Rohit Sharma has officially cemented his legacy as the ultimate big-hitter in One Day International (ODI) cricket. On a day that will be etched in the memories of fans worldwide, the Indian vice-captain surpassed the legendary Shahid Afridi to claim the title of the player with the most sixes in ODI cricket history.
Table of Contents
- The Record-Breaking Moment
- Rohit Sharma ODI Sixes Record: The Full Stats
- The Dominance of The Hitman and The King
- A Legacy of Power and Precision
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Record-Breaking Moment
The moment of truth arrived during the India vs South Africa clash. Needing just a few more sixes to overtake Afridi’s long-standing tally, Rohit Sharma, known as ‘The Hitman,’ stepped up with his trademark calm and calculated aggression. With a powerful swing, he launched the ball over the boundary ropes for his 352nd six in ODI cricket, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s previous record of 351 maximums . This wasn’t just another six; it was a historic shot that shifted the pinnacle of power-hitting from one generation to the next.
Rohit Sharma ODI Sixes Record: The Full Stats
The Rohit Sharma ODI sixes record is a testament to his incredible longevity and consistent power at the highest level. He has achieved this landmark in significantly fewer innings than his predecessor, highlighting his efficiency as a modern-day finisher and opener.
To put this achievement in perspective, here’s a look at the all-time leaderboard for most sixes in ODI cricket:
| Rank | Player | Sixes | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 352 | 277 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi (PAK/ICC/Asia) | 351 | 369 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 331 | 301 |
| 4 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 270 | 433 |
As the table shows, Rohit Sharma didn’t just break the record; he did so in 92 fewer innings than Afridi, a staggering difference that speaks volumes about the evolution of the game and his own destructive batting prowess . This achievement places him firmly at the top of a list that includes some of the most explosive cricketers of all time.
The Dominance of The Hitman and The King
Rohit’s historic knock was about more than just his personal milestone. His performance was a masterclass in partnership building, as he and Virat Kohli, India’s batting stalwarts, stitched together their 20th century partnership in ODI cricket . This incredible synergy between the two has been the bedrock of India’s batting success for over a decade.
Their partnership numbers are simply phenomenal:
- Over 5,400 runs together in ODIs, making them the second-most prolific Indian pair ever .
- A stellar average of over 57 for their partnerships .
- They have now equalled the legendary duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for the most 150-plus partnerships in Men’s ODIs for India .
This latest century stand is a powerful reminder of their enduring class and ability to deliver on the biggest stages. For fans of Indian cricket, the Rohit-Kohli combination remains one of the sport’s most reliable and exciting spectacles.
A Legacy of Power and Precision
Rohit Sharma’s journey to the top of the six-hitting charts is a story of evolution. From his early days as a middle-order batsman to his transformation into one of the most feared openers in the world, he has consistently adapted his game. His ability to find the boundary with such regularity is not just brute force; it’s a calculated art form built on impeccable timing and shot selection.
Surpassing a legend like Shahid Afridi, the original ‘Boom Boom’ of cricket, is a monumental feat. Afridi’s record was a benchmark for power-hitters for years, and Rohit’s achievement is a clear signal of a new era. It also underscores the aggressive brand of cricket that modern teams, especially India, have embraced.
This record adds to Rohit’s already glittering ODI resume, which includes the highest individual score in the format (264) and multiple World Cup titles. His consistency at the top of the order has made him a cornerstone of India’s batting strategy for major tournaments like the upcoming [INTERNAL_LINK:icc-odI-world-cup] and [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup].
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s ascent to the top of the ODI sixes chart is more than just a statistic; it’s a landmark moment in cricket history. By surpassing Shahid Afridi, he has not only claimed a personal milestone but has also redefined the boundaries of what’s possible with the bat in the 50-over format. Combined with his 60th ODI half-century and his historic partnership with Virat Kohli, this innings was a complete masterclass from one of the game’s modern greats. The cricketing world now watches with bated breath to see how many more records ‘The Hitman’ can add to his already legendary career.
Sources
Times of India: “Rohit Sharma Breaks World Record, Takes No. 1 Spot In…”
Various sources confirming the sixes count: “Most sixes in ODI cricket as Rohit surpasses Shahid Afridi”
Sportstar: “Here are Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma`s partnership numbers…”
News18: “In stats: Rohit Sharma 2nd oldest Indian centurion, Virat…”
India Today: “Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Equal Sachin Tendulkar-Sourav…”
External Authority Reference: ESPNcricinfo Statsguru – Most Career Sixes in ODI Cricket