Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the record books by becoming the player with the most sixes in One Day International cricket history. The monumental achievement came during India's crucial World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens stadium.
A Record-Breaking Moment in Kolkata
The historic moment arrived when Rohit Sharma smashed South African bowler Kagiso Rabada for a massive six over deep square leg. This spectacular shot marked his 247th six in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi, who had hit 246 sixes during his illustrious career.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the efficiency with which Rohit accomplished this feat. While Afridi required 369 innings to accumulate his tally of 246 sixes, the Indian captain achieved this milestone in just 256 innings, demonstrating his exceptional power-hitting capabilities and consistency.
Dominant Performance Against South Africa
Rohit Sharma's record-breaking performance came during a vital World Cup encounter where India batted first after winning the toss. The captain set the tone early with his aggressive approach, taking on the formidable South African bowling attack from the outset.
During his innings, Rohit hammered 7 boundaries and 4 sixes on his way to scoring 48 runs off just 40 deliveries. Though he fell short of a half-century, his explosive start provided India with the momentum needed to post a competitive total. His strike rate of 120.00 against one of the tournament's best bowling attacks underscored his dominance at the crease.
Climbing the All-Time Sixes Ladder
With this record-breaking achievement, Rohit Sharma now stands alone at the pinnacle of ODI six-hitting. The updated list of players with most sixes in ODI cricket now reads:
- Rohit Sharma (India) - 247 sixes in 256 innings
- Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 246 sixes in 369 innings
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 240 sixes in 294 innings
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 270 sixes in 433 innings
- MS Dhoni (India) - 229 sixes in 297 innings
The Indian captain's achievement becomes even more significant considering he broke the record in fewer innings than any other player in the top five. His six-hitting prowess has become a defining characteristic of his batting style, often setting the tempo for India's innings in limited-overs cricket.
Continuing Legacy of Power Hitting
Rohit Sharma's record-breaking moment adds another chapter to his already impressive cricketing legacy. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score big hundreds, the Indian skipper has redefined power-hitting in modern cricket. His achievement comes during a World Cup year where he has been instrumental in India's campaign, providing explosive starts at the top of the order.
The record also highlights the evolution of ODI cricket, where power-hitting has become increasingly important. Rohit's ability to clear boundaries consistently while maintaining a high average makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the contemporary game.
As the World Cup 2023 progresses, this record-breaking achievement will undoubtedly boost Rohit Sharma's confidence and provide additional motivation for the Indian team as they pursue cricket's ultimate prize on home soil. The Eden Gardens crowd witnessed history being made, and Rohit Sharma's name now stands alone in the annals of ODI cricket records.
