Rohit Sharma created history in Baroda, surpassing West Indies legend Chris Gayle to become the opener with the most sixes in One Day International cricket. The Indian batter also became the first player ever to smash 650 sixes across all international formats. This all happened during India’s chase against New Zealand in the first ODI, on January 11, 2026.
The Six-Hitting Power Show
The 38-year-old Ex-Indian captain reached this big milestone chasing New Zealand’s 301 total. He hit his record-breaking maximum in the seventh over. Kyle Jamieson was the bowler who delivered it. Before that, he’d already hit a six in the sixth over off Ben Foulkes. So, two quick sixes, just like that.
That second six put him past Gayle. Rohit now has 329 sixes as an opener in ODI cricket, one more than Chris Gayle’s 328. But the speed of this record is what makes it stand out. Rohit did this in just 191 innings. Gayle took 284 innings. That’s a difference of 83 fewer innings for Rohit, a significant gap. Indian Express reports his efficiency is a key part of this feat.
A Batting Career of Big Hits
This isn’t Rohit’s first time breaking six-hitting records. He already went past Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in ODI cricket overall last year, during the South Africa series. Rohit’s game means he’s always hitting big. He’s one of the best around.
And he’s in strong form. Last year, he got 650 runs in 14 ODI matches. That included a personal high of 121 not out. Rohit holds the number one spot in the ICC batter rankings right now. He’s a premier batter for sure.
Match Play and Other Milestones
Despite the big record, Rohit couldn’t stay long. Kyle Jamieson, the same bowler he hit for the record six, got him out in the ninth over. Rohit scored 26 runs off 29 balls. That innings included three fours and two sixes. It was a brief stay at the crease.
After Rohit left, Shubman Gill took over the chase. Gill and Virat Kohli then built a 100-run partnership. They steadied India’s innings. The Times of India notes New Zealand had posted 300/8.
The match saw another big record too. Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to hit 28,000 international runs across all formats. He did it in his 624th innings. This broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record, who needed 644 innings. Kumar Sangakkara took 666 innings. Kohli hit a ball from Adithya Ashok to pass this mark. Two big Indian records in one game, that’s something.
Rohit’s Unique Place
Rohit’s record puts him way ahead of other top ODI openers in six-hitting. Sanath Jayasuriya is next with 263 sixes from 383 innings. Martin Guptill has 174 sixes in 174 innings. Sachin Tendulkar hit 167 sixes in 340 innings. Rohit’s 329 sixes means he’s far ahead of Jayasuriya’s 263. He’s just dominating that stat.
Rohit Sharma keeps setting new standards. He’s 38, but still playing aggressive cricket. Becoming the leading six-hitter as an ODI opener, and getting 650 international sixes, shows his batting approach. It’s a powerful career, one of its kind.
Soureesh Datta 
Sagnik Banerjee