In a landmark achievement, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the record books by surpassing the legendary Shahid Afridi's tally for the most sixes in One Day International cricket. The historic moment unfolded during the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
A New Six-Hitting King Emerges
During his innings of 57 runs from 51 deliveries, Rohit Sharma launched his 352nd maximum in ODI cricket, moving past Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, who had held the record with 351 sixes since 2015. This feat was part of a crucial knock that also marked Sharma's 60th half-century in the 50-over format, featuring five boundaries and three sixes before he was dismissed by Marco Jansen in the 22nd over.
The match itself was significant for India, as they secured a 17-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The foundation of India's win was built on a formidable 136-run partnership for the second wicket between Rohit Sharma and the prolific Virat Kohli, who went on to score his 52nd ODI century.
Ashwin Hails a Remarkable Transformation
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, in a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat', heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's incredible journey. Ashwin highlighted the stark contrast between the batsman Sharma was at the start of his career and the powerhouse he is today.
"If we look at his early career statistically, in his first 30-40 ODIs, he wasn't the six-hitting powerhouse we know today," Ashwin remarked. He pointed to a specific turning point: "After his double century against Australia in 2013-14, his balls-per-six ratio was 27." The most dramatic shift, however, came with leadership. "Since becoming the white-ball captain, that ratio has dropped to 17--an incredible transformation," Ashwin added.
Ashwin credited this aggressive evolution not just to Sharma, but also to the foundational work laid by former head coach Rahul Dravid. He stated that Dravid established the principles of an attacking batting philosophy, which Sharma, as captain, has embodied and led by example, thereby transforming India's approach in white-ball cricket.
The Legacy of the 'Ro-Ko' Partnership
The Ranchi ODI once again showcased the enduring class and match-winning ability of the famed 'Ro-Ko' duo—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their century-plus stand demoralized the South African bowling attack and set the platform for India's total. This partnership continues to be a cornerstone of India's batting might in limited-overs cricket.
Rohit Sharma's ascent to the top of the ODI six-hitting list is a testament to his remarkable evolution. From a player who relied more on touch and timing in his initial years, he has consciously transformed himself into one of the most feared and prolific strikers of the cricket ball in the modern era, ultimately overtaking a benchmark set by one of the game's most explosive hitters, Shahid Afridi.
