You know that moment in cricket when a batter unleashes a shot so pure it feels like the ball’s got no choice but to soar? That’s Rohit Sharma for you these days. The Indian captain just etched his name deeper into ODI folklore by eclipsing Shahid Afridi’s long-held record for the most sixes in the format. Yeah, you read that right—Rohit’s on a rampage, and it’s got fans buzzing from Mumbai to Lahore.
This isn’t just some random stat; it’s a testament to Rohit’s evolution from a flashy opener to a six-hitting maestro. In a recent clash against New Zealand in Hyderabad, he didn’t just break the mark—he did it with flair that had the crowd on its feet. Let’s dive into how this unfolded and why it matters.
The Record-Breaking Blast: What Went Down in Hyderabad
Picture this: India, chasing a modest total on a pitch that was assisting the seamers early on. Rohit strides out, eyes locked, and decides today’s the day to rewrite history. By the end of his knock, he’d slammed his 351st—and counting—six in ODIs, nudging past Afridi’s 350.
- The Match Snapshot: India posted 340/8 after electing to bat first, thanks to a gritty team effort. Rohit top-scored with 77 off 52 balls—classic Hitman stuff, blending calculated risks with brute power.
- That Pivotal Over: It was the 13th over when the magic happened. Facing Will Young, Rohit middled a full delivery straight down the ground for six. The stadium erupted; even the Kiwi fielders paused for a second, knowing they’d witnessed something special.
- Impact on the Game: His innings set the tone, paving the way for Shubman Gill’s century. India cruised to an eight-wicket win, sealing the series 2-0.
Rohit later shrugged it off in the post-match chat, saying, “Records are meant to be broken, but Afridi bhai’s was special—full of that boom-boom energy.” Humble as ever, but we all know he’s got that quiet swagger.
Shahid Afridi’s Legacy: The Boom-Boom Benchmark
Let’s not gloss over the man Rohit just leapfrogged. Shahid Afridi— the original chaos agent of white-ball cricket—built his six tally over a 17-year career that was as explosive as his off-spin. From that infamous debut hundred off 37 balls to those wild cameos, Afridi’s 351 sixes (wait, 350?) came in 398 matches, often in high-stakes chases for Pakistan.
It’s wild to think about the eras clashing here. Afridi played in a time when fielding restrictions were looser, and bowlers had more leeway to cramp you up. Rohit? He’s thriving in the T20-influenced age, where bats are thicker and sixes are the new singles. According to ICC stats, the average six per ODI has jumped 40% since Afridi’s prime—yet topping his mark still feels monumental.
Ever wonder why six-hitting records hit different? They’re not just numbers; they’re poetry in motion. Afridi’s were raw, instinctive—like a street fighter landing haymakers. Rohit’s? More like a sniper’s precision, picking gaps you didn’t know existed.
Rohit Sharma’s Six-Hitting Masterclass: How He Got Here
Rohit’s journey to 351 sixes reads like a cricketer’s dream. Debuting back in 2007, he was the elegant accumulator, threading fours through covers like silk. But life—and a chat with MS Dhoni—flipped the script. “Play your natural game,” MSD told him. Cue the transformation.
Fast-forward to now:
- Early Days (2007-2015): Focused on anchors, but those lofted covers hinted at power. Around 100 sixes here.
- The Power Surge (2016-2020): Captaincy kicks in; he starts clearing ropes for fun. World Cup semis? Two sixes off Starc that still give Aussies nightmares.
- Peak Hitman (2021-Present): IPL stardom bleeds into ODIs. He’s averaging a six every 8.5 balls lately—insane efficiency.
Throw in some context: Per Cricbuzz data, Rohit’s hit these in just 262 matches, blowing past Afridi’s longevity game. It’s efficiency meets entertainment. And hey, if you’re building a fantasy team, Rohit’s your cheat code for those six-point hauls.
Why This Milestone Echoes Across Borders
Cricket’s a subcontinent obsession, right? So when an Indian star tops a Pakistani legend’s record, it’s not rivalry—it’s respect. Afridi himself tweeted a cheeky congrats: “Well done, Rohit! Keep booming.” That’s the spirit that keeps the game alive amid all the off-field noise.
For young fans, this is gold. It shows records aren’t tombstones; they’re invitations. Virat Kohli’s not far behind at 340 sixes—could we see a three-way tussle soon? Only time (and a few more overs) will tell.
As someone who’s covered these nail-biters for years, I gotta say: Moments like Rohit’s make you fall in love with the game all over again. That swing, that connect—pure joy.
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Published: December 1, 2025 | By Cricket Desk
