Indian captain and star opener Rohit Sharma etched his name into cricketing history during the opening ODI of the three-match series against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. On a gripping Sunday evening, Rohit became the player with the most sixes in One-Day Internationals, surpassing former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record. The landmark moment arrived when young South African pacer Marco Jansen delivered a short ball angled into the body.
Rohit, anticipating the length early, rose effortlessly on top of the bounce, swivelled with trademark finesse, and dispatched the ball into the long-leg stands. That perfectly timed pull shot marked his 352nd ODI six, taking him past Afridi’s tally of 351. With this, Rohit now stands alone at the summit of ODI six-hitters—a testament to his fearless approach and batting longevity.
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Behind him on the all-time list are some of cricket’s most destructive names: Chris Gayle with 331 sixes, Sanath Jayasuriya with 270, and MS Dhoni with 229. For Rohit, this record-breaking blow was not just another six—it was a celebration of consistency, skill, and the evolution of a batter who has dominated modern white-ball cricket.
Most Sixes in ODIs (All-Time):
- 352* – Rohit Sharma
- 351 – Shahid Afridi
- 331 – Chris Gayle
- 270 – Sanath Jayasuriya
- 229 – MS Dhoni
ROHIT SHARMA – THE GREATEST EVER IN SIX HITTING. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/xUfs9G4nfh
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 30, 2025
Shortly after achieving the record, Rohit became Marco Jansen’s victim. The tall pacer delivered a back-of-a-length ball that kept unexpectedly low. Rohit attempted another pull but missed, and the ball thudded into his back thigh. With the impact clearly in line, the umpire raised his finger. Despite a quick exchange with Virat Kohli, Rohit chose not to review. His superb knock ended at 57 off 51 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes, breaking a commanding 136-run partnership for the second wicket.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad—both recalled to the ODI setup—failed to capitalise, leaving India at 193/3 after the quick dismissals of Rohit and Gaikwad.
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Another major talking point was Rohit’s remarkable physical transformation. Leaner, faster, and significantly more athletic, the veteran opener looked rejuvenated. His sharp footwork, rapid running between the wickets, and increased agility highlighted renewed commitment. This improved fitness mirrors Rohit’s determination to remain India’s driving force heading into the ICC World Cup 2027.
Notably, this was Rohit Sharma’s third consecutive ODI fifty, coming months after he announced his retirement from Test cricket—yet another reminder that the Hitman remains one of the format’s greatest ever performers.
