Rohit Sharma has etched his name into the record books once again, becoming the all-time leading six-hitter in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The India captain smashed his 352nd ODI six during the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30, surpassing the previous record of 351 sixes held by Shahid Afridi.
Rohit came into the match needing three more sixes to break Afridi’s long-standing record. He equalled the mark with back-to-back sixes off Prenelan Subrayen in the 15th over and then claimed the record outright by sending Marco Jansen over long-on in the 20th over with his trademark pull shot, a strike that drew rapturous applause from the crowd and Indian dressing room alike.
Fastest to the top: Rohit breaks record in fewer innings than Afridi
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan all-rounder, had held the record with 351 sixes in 398 ODIs across 369 innings. In contrast, Rohit reached 352 sixes in just 277 ODIs, achieving the feat a full 100 innings faster than Afridi.
Here’s how the top ODI six-hitters stack up:
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 352 sixes
- Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 351 sixes
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 331 sixes
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 270 sixes
- MS Dhoni (India) – 229 sixes
Rohit’s six-hitting prowess isn’t confined to ODIs alone—he also holds the world record for most sixes in international cricket across all formats with 642 maximums, well ahead of Chris Gayle (553) and Afridi (476).
Half-century and record in same innings for ‘Hitman’
Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit got off to a cautious start before launching into the South African bowling. He reached his 60th ODI fifty off 47 balls and went on to score 57 off 51 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes, before being dismissed lbw by Marco Jansen.
His innings included a few moments of fortune, including a dropped catch by Tony de Zorzi early on, but he capitalized on the opportunity and settled into his familiar rhythm, especially after forging a massive 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the second wicket in just 109 balls. It was their second consecutive 100+ stand.
A record still growing
At 38 years of age, Rohit shows no signs of slowing down. With two ODIs still remaining in the series against South Africa, the Indian skipper has the chance to further stretch his lead and put the record even further out of reach.
His iconic six-hitting ability, impeccable timing, and unmatched consistency have made him not just India’s top white-ball batter but now officially the most prolific six-hitter in ODI history.
