Rohit Sharma Shatters Shahid Afridi’s ODI Sixes Record

Rohit Sharma, the prolific Indian opener and skipper, has etched his name deeper into cricket history by breaking one of the game’s most enduring records. During the recent first One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa in Ranchi, Sharma surpassed the long-standing milestone for the most sixes in ODI cricket, previously held by Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder, Shahid Afridi. This monumental achievement not only adds another feather to Rohit’s cap but also signals a changing of the guard in terms of power-hitting supremacy in the 50-over format.

The Historic Moment in Ranchi

The milestone was achieved in typical Rohit Sharma fashion—with effortless power and timing. Needing just a few sixes to overhaul Afridi’s formidable tally of 351, Sharma wasted little time. His innings, a crucial 57 runs, was studded with five fours and three towering sixes. It was the third maximum of his knock that propelled him past Afridi’s mark, sending a delighted home crowd into a frenzy and marking a significant moment in the fixture against South Africa.

With these three sixes, Rohit’s career tally in the ODI format reached an astonishing 352 sixes. This record was secured over the course of 277 ODIs, showcasing the remarkable consistency and destructive power he has wielded throughout his career.

Ending a 15-Year Reign

The record broken by Rohit Sharma was held for nearly a decade and a half by Shahid Afridi. Known globally as “Boom Boom” for his explosive batting, Afridi had set the benchmark of 351 sixes across a lengthy career spanning 398 ODIs. His appearances were for Pakistan, the Asia XI, and the ICC XI. For 15 years, this figure stood as the ultimate testament to a batsman’s ability to clear the ropes in the 50-over game.

Afridi’s record was a reflection of the era he dominated, where aggressive, boundary-laden batting was less common. Sharma’s ability to surpass this figure in significantly fewer matches speaks volumes about the evolution of white-ball cricket and his own exceptional skill set, which is uniquely suited for modern limited-overs demands.

The King of International Sixes

Rohit Sharma’s mastery of the six-hitting art is not confined to just the ODI format. He is, in fact, the undisputed leading six-hitter across all formats of international cricket. His combined tally of international sixes currently stands at an incredible 645. This total places him comfortably ahead of the next player on the all-time list, the West Indies powerhouse Chris Gayle, who holds a career total of 553 international sixes.

Sharma’s dominance in this regard underlines his status as one of the most destructive and impactful openers in the history of the sport. His ability to hit boundaries at will, particularly converting good starts into monumental scores, has been a key factor in India’s success in recent years. This latest achievement against South Africa simply reaffirms his legacy as a true master of the aerial shot, continuing to redefine what is possible in the modern game.