In a landmark moment that will be etched into cricketing history, India’s captain Rohit Sharma shattered the world record for the most sixes in One Day Internationals, surpassing the long-standing benchmark previously held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi. The historic achievement unfolded on Sunday during the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, where an energized crowd witnessed a masterclass in power-hitting from one of the modern era’s greatest batsmen.
Rohit arrived at the crease with a clear intent and an even clearer milestone in sight. Beginning the innings just two sixes short of Afridi’s record of 351, the Indian opener wasted no time asserting his dominance. With trademark elegance combined with decisive aggression, he launched two early sixes to level the record in the 15th over of India’s first innings. But the moment the stadium erupted into a thunderous applause came in the 20th over, when Rohit dispatched a delivery deep into the stands to claim his 352nd ODI six, becoming the batter with the most maximums in the history of the format.
It was a fitting setting for such a monumental achievement. Ranchi, known for its passionate cricket following, turned into a sea of blue as fans celebrated every stroke from Rohit’s bat. The magnitude of his accomplishment grew even more profound considering the stature of the player he overtook. Shahid Afridi, revered globally for his fearless striking ability, held the record for years, setting a benchmark that few thought could be challenged in the near future. Yet Rohit, through years of consistency, adaptability, and raw hitting power, has rewritten the record books.
A Journey Defined by Timing, Technique, and Temperament
Rohit Sharma’s legacy in white-ball cricket has been built over more than a decade of brilliance. Once seen as a player of enormous potential but inconsistent execution, he transformed himself after being promoted to the opening slot in 2013 a career-defining shift orchestrated by then-skipper MS Dhoni. Since then, Rohit has not only flourished but evolved into one of the greatest ODI batters of all time, with three double-centuries to his name, a feat unmatched by any cricketer.
His six-hitting ability, however, remains his most distinctive trait. Unlike many power hitters who rely heavily on brute force, Rohit’s sixes are often characterized by effortless timing, impeccable balance, and clean swing of the bat. Whether it is the pick-up shot over midwicket, the lofted cover drive, or his signature pull shot, Rohit makes the art of clearing the boundary look deceptively simple.
The record he has now claimed is not a product of mere power. It is a culmination of artistry, situational awareness, and unwavering composure under pressure. His consistency in finding the stands across pitches, oppositions, and continents underlines his status as a global phenomenon.
The Knock That Rewrote History
On this particular Sunday afternoon in Ranchi, Rohit appeared to be in complete control from the moment he took guard. The South African bowlers attempted to test him with pace variations and short deliveries, but he remained unfazed. His first six came off a slightly overpitched ball, which he sent soaring over long-on. The second a powerful pull shot drew louder cheers as the audience realized history was only a hit away.
The final six that sealed the record came with a sense of inevitability. As soon as the ball left the bowler’s hands, drifting into Rohit’s hitting arc, the crowd rose in anticipation. The Indian captain obliged, sending the ball sailing over square leg. The eruption that followed was not merely a celebration of numbers it was a tribute to a player who has shaped modern ODI cricket with his distinct style and unmatched consistency.
A Record for the Ages
With 352 sixes and counting, Rohit Sharma now stands at the pinnacle of ODI power-hitting. It is a record that reflects longevity, fitness, and adaptability in an ever-evolving cricketing landscape. While aggressive batting has become more common in limited-overs cricket, maintaining such consistency across formats and conditions is a rarity.
For Indian cricket fans, this milestone carries emotional weight. Rohit joins the ranks of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli icons who have reached milestones once thought unreachable. As India’s captain across formats, his achievements also inspire a new generation of players, who see in him a blend of elegance and authority.
Reactions and Celebrations
Social media exploded shortly after the record-smashing six, with fans, former cricketers, and analysts praising Rohit’s accomplishment. Many noted the grace with which he plays the game, calling him “the most effortless six-hitter of the modern era.” Stadium clips of fans waving flags, cheering loudly, and holding signs honoring Rohit’s milestone quickly went viral.
His teammates, too, were exuberant, walking up to congratulate him during the drinks break. There was a sense of pride and collective joy an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication that molded Rohit into the player he is today.
Beyond the Record: What This Means for Team India
For India, Rohit Sharma’s form and leadership are crucial as the team prepares for upcoming international assignments and major global tournaments. His aggressive approach at the top provides India with explosive starts, often setting the foundation for mammoth totals. A captain who leads by example, Rohit’s latest feat boosts not just his personal legacy but the morale of the entire squad.
His ability to convert starts into big scores, build partnerships, and accelerate at will makes him indispensable in India’s ODI strategy. Records such as this add to his aura one that commands respect from opponents and admiration from fans.
The Road Ahead
Rohit Sharma is still defying age-related norms at the age of 38. His fitness, technique, and hunger for runs remain intact, indicating that this record is far from finished. With several ODI series lined up and India expected to play a significant number of limited-overs matches over the next two years, the tally could grow far beyond 352.
For cricket enthusiasts worldwide, the question now is: How high can he push the bar?
What remains certain is that every time Rohit takes the crease, fans can expect both entertainment and excellence. His game, defined by masterful stroke play and fearless intent, remains a treat for lovers of the sport.
Rohit Sharma’s achievement in Ranchi is more than just a statistical milestone it is a celebration of a cricketing genius who continues to enchant fans with his sublime hitting. By surpassing Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record, Rohit has carved his name into one of ODI cricket’s most prestigious chapters. The world witnessed not just a record being broken, but a player reaffirming his status as one of the all-time greats of the game.
As the applause echoes across stadiums and timelines, one thing is clear: Rohit Sharma is not just rewriting records he is redefining the boundaries of what is possible in ODI cricket.
Read More: Young Tech Genius Bags ₹25 Lakh for Developing Percevia, India’s Breakthrough Assistive AI Glasses
