Rohit Sharma ODI sixes record: Rohit Sharma becomes the all-time leader in ODI sixes with 352 sixes, surpassing Shahid Afridi in India vs South Africa 2025. Key facts for sports current affairs and exams.
Rohit Sharma becomes No. 1 six-hitter in ODI history — A Historic Milestone
Rohit Sharma sets new ODI sixes record
In a landmark moment for international cricket, Rohit Sharma has become the all-time leader in sixes in One Day International (ODI) history. During the first ODI of the 2025 series against South Africa national cricket team at Ranchi, he smashed his 352nd six, surpassing the long-standing record of 351 held by Shahid Afridi.
Rohit achieved the milestone with characteristic composure and power. The match-winning maximum came via a trademark pull shot off Marco Jansen after earlier hitting back-to-back sixes off bowler Prenelan Subrayen.
Efficient achievement: fewer innings, more impact
What makes this feat even more significant is the efficiency with which Rohit overtook the record. While Afridi played 398 matches during his ODI career, Rohit achieved the record-breaking tally in only 278 ODIs — reaching the milestone in roughly 100 fewer innings than Afridi.
Such a performance underlines not just longevity but consistent aggression and skill — hallmarks of Rohit’s white-ball batting career.
Context of the Ranchi match: a notable ODI
In the same game, Rohit scored 57 off 50 balls, including three sixes and five fours. This innings also marked his 60th ODI half-century.
That innings also came along with a 136-run opening partnership with Virat Kohli — a partnership that set the tone for India’s formidable total, and underscored how Rohit continues to contribute meaningfully even at the top of his game.
Why this News is Important
Significance for global and Indian cricket records
This record-breaking moment isn’t just a personal milestone — it rewrites the record books for ODI cricket. With 352 sixes, Rohit Sharma now stands as the undisputed six-hitting king in the 50-over format, overtaking legends who had long dominated global six-hitting charts. For aspirants of government-exam general-knowledge sections (GK), sports, or current-affairs — this becomes a headline fact worth remembering.
Demonstrates consistency and longevity
That Rohit achieved this in fewer innings than his predecessor reflects his prolonged excellence and consistency. It shows how high-level performance sustained over many years can surpass sheer volume of matches. For students — it drives home the lesson that consistent performance, even under pressure and in critical matches, matters more than just playing many games or getting early success.
Adds to India’s growing cricket legacy
For India, this record adds to the legacy of Indian cricket excelling at global benchmarks. Such achievements boost national morale, contribute to India’s soft-power in sports, and become part of the larger narrative highlighting India’s dominance and contribution to world cricket.
Historical Context
The previous record — a formidable benchmark
Prior to Rohit’s feat, the record for most sixes in ODI cricket was held by Shahid Afridi of Pakistan, who amassed 351 sixes over a long career spanning 398 matches between 1996 and 2015.
Afridi’s record stood for many years as a testament to aggressive, power-hitting cricket — especially from the subcontinent — and was regarded as one of the toughest “six-hitting” milestones in the 50-over format.
Rohit’s journey: from first Indian to 300 sixes to now leading globally
Rohit Sharma had earlier become the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in ODIs — a milestone he reached in August 2024.
From there, he steadily climbed the ladder. By early 2025, he had overtaken Chris Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODI history, with Gayle trailing behind.
With continuous aggressive batting and fitness, Rohit has now raised the bar even further — setting the new benchmark of 352 sixes.
Changing nature of cricket and frequency of ODIs
The fact that this record comes in 2025 — when ODIs are playing fewer matches compared to the early 2000s — adds weight to the accomplishment. It suggests that the combination of power-hitting skill, match awareness, and longevity can yield great results even in a changing cricketing landscape.
Key Takeaways from This News
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma now holds the record for most sixes in ODI history with 352 sixes. |
| 2 | He surpassed Shahid Afridi’s previous record of 351 sixes during the first ODI vs South Africa in Ranchi (Nov 30, 2025). |
| 3 | The record was achieved in fewer innings than Afridi — demonstrating Rohit’s consistency and efficiency. |
| 4 | In the record-breaking match, Rohit scored 57 off 50 balls (with 3 sixes and 5 fours), marking his 60th ODI half-century. |
| 5 | This achievement adds to India’s cricket legacy and serves as a significant recent fact for current-affairs and sports GK, useful for students preparing for competitive exams. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who holds the record for most sixes in ODI cricket as of November 2025?
Rohit Sharma holds the record with 352 sixes, surpassing Shahid Afridi.
2. Against which team did Rohit Sharma break the ODI sixes record?
He broke the record against South Africa during the first ODI in Ranchi.
3. How many innings did Rohit Sharma take to surpass Shahid Afridi’s record?
Rohit achieved the record in 278 ODIs, around 100 fewer than Afridi.
4. What was Rohit Sharma’s score in the match where he broke the sixes record?
He scored 57 runs off 50 balls, including 3 sixes and 5 fours.
5. How does Rohit Sharma’s six-hitting record compare to Shahid Afridi’s?
Rohit surpassed Afridi’s 351 sixes in fewer innings, showing greater efficiency.
6. Which milestone did Rohit Sharma achieve previously in ODI sixes before breaking the record?
He became the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in ODIs in August 2024.
7. How does Rohit Sharma’s record contribute to India’s cricket legacy?
It strengthens India’s dominance in international cricket and serves as a notable fact in sports current affairs.
8. Who partnered with Rohit Sharma for a 136-run opening stand in the record-breaking match?
Virat Kohli partnered with Rohit Sharma for the 136-run opening partnership.
9. Why is this record significant for competitive exams?
It is a key sports current affairs fact, often asked in GK sections of government exams.
10. Which cricket legend did Rohit Sharma overtake before surpassing Shahid Afridi?
He overtook Chris Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter before surpassing Afridi.
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