Nearly ten years after Shahid Afridi stepped away from ODI cricket, his most iconic record has finally been toppled. Rohit Sharma, India’s prolific opener, has claimed the honour of hitting the most sixes in One Day Internationals, rewriting a statistic many believed might stand untouched for much longer.
Rohit achieved the milestone during the first ODI of India’s series against South Africa, where he dispatched three trademark maximums to overtake Afridi’s tally of 352 sixes. The new record now stands at 353—not merely a number but a symbol of longevity, adaptability, and the refined aggression that has defined Rohit’s batting for over a decade.
What elevates Rohit’s achievement is his efficiency. Afridi was widely celebrated for his fearless approach and power-hitting ability, but his record was built across 369 innings. Rohit, however, needed only 268 innings to eclipse it—a staggering difference that underscores not only his reliability but also the evolution of ODI batting in the modern era.
The top five list of ODI six-hitters reads like a tribute to cricket’s most destructive batsmen. Gayle follows in third place with 331 sixes, while Sanath Jayasuriya and MS Dhoni occupy the next two slots with 270 and 229 sixes respectively. Rohit, now the sole active cricketer among these giants, appears poised to push the record far beyond immediate reach.
After a seven-month break from ODI cricket, Rohit’s return has been marked by renewed authority. His recent rise to No. 1 in the ICC ODI batting rankings signalled his red-hot form, and with this historic milestone, his legacy grows even stronger. More than simply breaking Afridi’s record, Rohit has set a new benchmark—one that future generations will measure themselves against.