Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli once again reminded the cricketing world why they are regarded as one of the greatest batting pairs in international cricket. Playing their 392nd match together for India, the iconic duo stitched another memorable partnership, taking complete control of India’s innings in front of a packed JSCA International Stadium crowd.
For Virat Kohli, the day was even more special, as he surpassed Ricky Ponting’s all-time six-hitting record, further cementing his legacy in world cricket. This ongoing home series marks the much-anticipated return of both Rohit and Kohli to international action in India.
They made their broader comeback during the Australia tour, where Rohit Sharma produced a stunning run tally of 200+ runs, while Kohli—despite a slow start—finished that series with a classy half-century in the final ODI. Now, back on home soil, both batters look hungrier and more determined than ever.
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Walking in after Yashasvi Jaiswal edged Nandre Burger to Quinton de Kock, Kohli looked switched on from ball one. His very first scoring shot was a majestic straight hit off Burger, taking his six count to 217—level with Ponting. Moments later, he danced down the track and lofted another clean strike over the covers, moving to 218 sixes, the most by a No. 3 batter in international cricket.
ICONIC 😎@imVkohli sends it soaring – a clean, king-sized SIX! 👑💥#INDvSA 1st ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/BBkwein9oF pic.twitter.com/BSOY8XLgLc
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 30, 2025
Virat Kohli now has the most sixes (218*) at No. 3 in international cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting. #INDvSA https://t.co/yAekdSH3CH
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) November 30, 2025
At the other end, Rohit Sharma played with characteristic calmness and authority. The Indian captain reached his fifty in the 19th over, marking his third consecutive ODI half-century since the Australia series. Shortly after, he unleashed a trademark pull shot off Marco Jansen, launching the ball over fine leg. That six carried historical weight—it was his 352nd ODI six, pushing him past Shahid Afridi to become the highest six-hitter in ODI history.
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The Kohli-Rohit partnership soon flourished into yet another century stand—their second since the Sydney ODI against Australia. With this milestone, the duo crossed 5500 partnership runs, placing them among India’s top three batting pairs of all time. Their partnership, built on impeccable timing and mutual understanding, once again showcased their unmatched value to Indian cricket.
Rohit’s innings eventually ended in the 22nd over when a low-skidding delivery from Jansen trapped him in front. But by then, the damage had been done, and India had already gained firm control of the game—powered by two modern legends who continue to rewrite record books every time they walk out together.
