Bhubaneswar: India captain Rohit Sharma etched his name deeper into cricketing history on Sunday, becoming the leading six-hitter in ODI cricket with a blistering display against South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium.
Rohit reached the milestone in emphatic style. In the 20th over of India’s innings, he unleashed a thumping slog-sweep off South African off-spinner Prenalen Subrayen, launching the ball over cow corner for his 350th ODI six. He repeated the stroke on the very next delivery, equalling Shahid Afridi’s tally of 351 sixes — and doing so in 100 fewer innings than the former Pakistan captain.
Moments later, another towering hit took him to 352 sixes, officially surpassing Afridi and sending the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy. The Indian dressing room rose in applause as the 37-year-old opener raised his bat to acknowledge the landmark.
Rohit now stands at the top of the all-time ODI six-hitting list, ahead of cricket’s most feared power-hitters such as Chris Gayle (331) and Sanath Jayasuriya (270).
A Record That Reflects an Era of Dominance
The achievement reinforces Rohit’s reputation as one of the most destructive batters in limited-overs cricket. Known worldwide for his effortless timing, graceful lofted strokes and clean striking, the Indian skipper has long been celebrated as a natural six-hitter.
Rohit opened the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who fell early. But with Virat Kohli at the other end, he stitched together a century-stand that powered India into a commanding position. Rohit eventually fell for 57 off 51 balls, dismissed by Marco Jansen, but not before giving the Ranchi crowd a performance they will remember for years.
A Milestone For the Ages
Reaching the world record in fewer innings than any other player only strengthens Rohit Sharma’s legacy as a once-in-a-generation white-ball batter. With more matches to come in the series, his tally of sixes — now 352 and counting* — seems poised to grow even further.
-OdishaAge
