Rohit Sharma became the new six-hitting king of One-Day International cricket on Sunday, overtaking Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi to claim the top spot for most career sixes during the first ODI against South Africa. The milestone, achieved at the start of India’s three-match series, reinforces Sharma’s reputation as one of the most dominant limited-overs batsmen of his era.

Sharma’s record-breaking moment comes during a high-stakes tour for India and adds another chapter to his already distinguished career. With the six that took him past Afridi, he now stands alone at the top of the all-time list.

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A Milestone Years in the Making

Sharma enters the match needing just one maximum to surpass Afridi’s long-standing tally. The crowd at the venue erupts when he lofts a delivery over the ropes, marking a historic moment for Indian cricket.

The Indian captain’s achievement is the result of sustained consistency and adaptability in international cricket. His six-hitting ability has been a defining feature throughout his career, particularly in ODIs where he has combined timing, power, and temperament.

Afridi had held the record for more than a decade, with 351 sixes to his name. Sharma’s ascent reflects not only an individual accomplishment but also a shift in the modern ODI game, which increasingly rewards aggressive, boundary-driven batting.

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Rohit’s Evolution as a Dominant ODI Opener

Sharma’s rise to the top of the sixes chart parallels his transformation since he was promoted to the opening role in 2013. Before that, he floated in the middle order and showed flashes of brilliance without cementing a place.

Everything changed when he was asked to open the innings. Since then, Sharma has become one of cricket’s most prolific ODI batsmen, scoring three double centuries—a feat no other player has achieved.

His six-hitting style is marked not by raw power alone but by elegant timing.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir says Sharma’s technique sets him apart.

“Rohit doesn’t slog; he hits clean, controlled shots. That’s why he lasts long and keeps clearing boundaries,” Gambhir says during a broadcast.

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Breaking Down the Record

Sharma’s crossing of Afridi’s record highlights several statistical patterns:

Consistency Over Explosiveness

While Afridi was known for his blistering strike rate and whirlwind innings, Sharma’s sixes have come across longer, more methodical knocks.

Impact in Big Matches

Sharma often saves his most dominant performances for major tournaments.

He struck five centuries in the 2019 ODI World Cup, a record for a single edition.

Longevity and Fitness

Sharma’s ability to maintain his form and fitness into his mid-30s has allowed him to play extended international seasons without significant decline.

Boundary Frequency

Across formats, Sharma has been among the global leaders in balls per boundary ratio, underlining his aggressive approach without compromising shot selection.

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Reaction From the Cricketing World

Tributes pour in soon after Sharma reaches the milestone.

Former Pakistan captain Afridi congratulates Sharma in a social media post, calling his achievement “well-deserved” and praising his longevity.

“You have taken the art of clean hitting to another level,” Afridi writes.

Analysts across India and abroad highlight the significance of the feat.

Harsha Bhogle notes, “This is not just a record of hitting sixes; it’s a symbol of Rohit’s transformation from a talented youngster to an imposing world-class opener.”

South African coach Rob Walter also acknowledges the milestone during the post-match press briefing.

“Rohit is one of the toughest players to bowl to in world cricket. His ability to clear the boundary with ease is unmatched,” Walter says.

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The South Africa Series Context

India enters the ODI series looking to build squad depth and refine combinations before major upcoming tournaments. Sharma’s presence at the top provides stability as younger players rotate into the squad.

In the first ODI, his knock sets the tone for India’s innings. Although the match’s outcome is still being analyzed, his record-breaking six remains the highlight of the day.

South Africa, meanwhile, faces the challenge of containing India’s top order, with Sharma’s form posing both tactical and psychological tests.

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A Modern Power-Hitting Era

Sharma’s rise reflects broader changes in ODI cricket, where power-hitting has become fundamental to team strategy. With flatter pitches, bigger bats, and evolving batting techniques, boundaries have become central to scoring rates.

Yet Sharma’s approach stands out because it blends classical timing with selective aggression.

Unlike some contemporary hitters who rely on brute power, Sharma’s sixes often come from orthodox strokes—pulls, lofted drives, and elegant flicks.

Cricket historian Boria Majumdar says Sharma’s achievement symbolizes the evolution of the limited-overs format.

“Rohit represents the modern ODI era, but he also shows how traditional technique can still dominate,” Majumdar says.

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India’s National Mood and Fan Celebration

Fans across India celebrate the moment on social media platforms, calling it a “proud milestone” and sharing clips of his most iconic sixes—like those in the 2013 Champions Trophy, the 2019 World Cup, and several high-pressure bilateral series.

At Sharma’s home in Mumbai, local cricket academies reportedly replay videos of his innings to young trainees. Coaches say his milestone serves as inspiration for the next generation of Indian cricketers.

A 16-year-old trainee at one academy says, “Rohit sir shows that you can be calm and still hit the biggest sixes.”

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Looking Ahead: What the Record Means for Sharma’s Legacy

Sharma’s achievement adds to his growing legacy as one of India’s greatest modern ODI batsmen. With several years of international cricket likely still ahead of him, the gap between him and future contenders may widen.

The record also strengthens Sharma’s credentials as a captain who leads by example. His impact on India’s aggressive batting philosophy is evident across formats, particularly in T20 cricket.

Analysts say the milestone could motivate him ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments, where India seeks to end its title drought.

“If Rohit continues this consistency, he may finish among the greatest ODI openers of all time,” Bhogle notes.

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What This Means for ODI Cricket’s Future

As ODI cricket navigates challenges of scheduling, player workload, and competition from T20 leagues, milestones like Sharma’s highlight the format’s continued appeal.

Fans still value the balance of strategy, pacing, and sustained batting roles unique to ODIs.

Sharma’s dominance may inspire teams to re-emphasize top-order power-hitting as a reliable scoring formula in future tournaments.

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Conclusion

Rohit Sharma’s ascent to the top of the all-time ODI sixes chart marks a defining moment in international cricket. By surpassing Afridi’s long-standing record, he not only secures his place among the sport’s elite but also symbolizes the evolution of modern batting.

As India continues its series against South Africa, Sharma’s achievement boosts team morale and energizes fans across the world. The record is likely to stand as one of the major milestones of his illustrious career—and a reminder of his enduring impact on ODI cricket.