Rohit Sharma becomes ODI cricket’s greatest six-hitter as Shahid Afridi’s record bites the dust

Rohit Sharma has added another landmark to an already glittering ODI career. On November 30, 2025, the India captain cleared a long-standing record to become the highest six-hitter in One Day International cricket, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s tally and rewriting the list of the game’s most feared boundary hitters.

Rohit Sharma breaks the record — what happened in Ranchi

In the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Rohit landed the historic blow. He smashed his 352nd ODI six, overtaking Shahid Afridi’s previous mark of 351. The milestone arrived during a powerful innings in which Rohit repeatedly punished loose lengths and found the stands with trademark timing and power.

The moment that mattered

The moment became instant history: a cleanly timed pull that sailed away for six — the shot that moved Rohit to the top of the all-time ODI sixes list. The crowd erupted, teammates celebrated, and statistics across the cricketing world updated to reflect a new six-king of ODIs.

Why this record matters for Rohit Sharma and ODI cricket

Rohit Sharma’s climb to the top is significant for several reasons.

First, Shahid Afridi’s 351 sixes stood as one of the most enduring power-hitting marks in limited-overs cricket for nearly two decades. Passing that benchmark signals Rohit’s longevity and consistent ability to clear boundaries at the highest level.

Second, the record underlines Rohit’s adaptability — he has hit sixes across different phases of an ODI innings, against pace and spin, and in varied conditions. His tally is not just about one-off fireworks but a long pattern of sustained aggression blended with classical timing.

Rohit Sharma’s sixes: the numbers behind the feat

Numbers give context to the headline. By the time he reached 352 sixes, detailed breakdowns showed Rohit had scored maximums across phases and bowlers:

• He has hit a large chunk of his sixes while dominating pace bowling, often with the pull/hook as a major contributor.
• Rohit’s sixes come in every phase — powerplays, middle overs, and death overs — showing a wide repertoire rather than a single specialized phase of hitting.

(Exact breakdowns and ball-by-ball logs are kept in live stats databases; those sources updated immediately after the Ranchi ODI confirmed the 352 figure.)

How Rohit compares to other all-time greats

Rohit Sharma now sits above Afridi on the ODI sixes list, with Chris Gayle still among the few others who have cleared 300-plus maximums in the format. While Afridi built his reputation on explosive, short-ball hitting in his prime, Rohit’s rise speaks to a modern batter’s ability to marry technique with power.

Beyond raw six counts, Rohit’s overall ODI résumé — centuries, strike-rate management, and match-winning innings — cements his status among the format’s modern icons. This record complements his other achievements rather than defining his career on its own.

What this means for Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi

Records are made to be challenged, and Afridi’s contribution to limited-overs cricket remains immense. His 351 sixes were a benchmark for a generation of hitters and inspired many modern power hitters to push the limits.

For Afridi, being surpassed does not diminish his impact. Instead, it highlights the evolution of the game — equipment, fielding restrictions, fitness, and modern batting approaches have created more opportunities for big hitting. Afridi’s record stood for years and will remain a key chapter in ODI history.

Tactical takeaways: how Rohit hits so many sixes

Coaches and fans who study Rohit Sharma’s batting notice a few recurring tactical strengths:

• Exceptional timing and balance. Rohit often uses minimal movement to generate maximum bat speed, creating cleaner contact and distance.
• Shot selection. He chooses his deliveries — particularly full tosses and short balls over the wicket — then executes with precision.
• Awareness of field placement. Rohit frequently finds gaps and targets weaker boundaries, converting good balls into maximums through placement rather than brute force alone.
• Power development. Years of conditioning and a modern strength program have helped Rohit maintain the high bat speed and range of motion needed for consistent six hitting.

What fans and analysts are saying

Reaction across social media and cricketing media was immediate. Analysts praised Rohit’s calmness under pressure, his continued hunger for runs, and the timing of the record during a high-profile India vs South Africa fixture.

Former players and commentators placed the achievement within the broader arc of Rohit’s career: a player who matured from a talented stroke-maker into a captain and a statistical powerhouse. Many also noted that such records spark debates about eras and conditions — but most agreed the mark was a testament to Rohit’s sustained excellence.

Looking ahead: can Rohit extend the record?

With 352 sixes now to his name, the obvious question is how far Rohit can push the record. Given his role at the top of the order and India’s busy white-ball calendar, there’s every chance he will add to the total.

But as Rohit himself has shown previously, he balances ambition with team priorities. Expect more aggression, but also smart cricket — the same blend that has made him a prolific six-hitter and a dependable leader.

Final thoughts: Rohit Sharma and the changing face of ODI power hitting

Rohit Sharma’s leap to the top of the ODI sixes list is more than a statline — it’s a snapshot of how modern batsmanship blends timing, technique, and athleticism to produce memorable moments.

Records will continue to be broken, but milestones like this help define careers and eras. For now, Rohit stands alone at the summit of ODI maximums — a deserved recognition of skill, consistency, and the joy of watching a masterful hitter at work.

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