by Records in cricket tell compelling stories. Behind every impressive statistic lies years of practice, countless matches, and moments of brilliance that define careers.
Some records measure consistency, others measure longevity, but few capture the imagination quite like six-hitting records in ODI cricket.
Breaking records in international cricket requires exceptional talent combined with remarkable durability.
Playing at the highest level for a decade or more while maintaining peak performance is incredibly difficult.
Add the pressure of representing your country, facing the world’s best bowlers, and performing across different conditions—and you realize how special record-breakers truly are.
The players with most sixes in odi cricket have achieved something truly extraordinary.
They haven’t just hit a few memorable sixes – they’ve done it hundreds of times, across different continents, against various opponents, and throughout multiple cricket eras.
This consistency at the international level is what separates good players from all-time greats.
Consider what it takes to compete for six-hitting records. You need the physical ability to generate enormous bat speed and power.
You need the technical skill to find the right areas to target. You need the mental strength to keep attacking even after getting out playing aggressive shots.
And you need the longevity to maintain these qualities over 200, 300, or even 400 international matches.
Players With Most Sixes In ODI Cricket
Records also reflect how cricket has evolved. Comparing six-hitting statistics across different decades reveals fascinating insights about changing batting philosophies, improved equipment, altered playing conditions, and shifting tactical approaches that have made ODI cricket increasingly aggressive and entertaining.
Why Six-Hitting Matters in Cricket?
Before we look at the records, let’s understand why sixes are so important:
- Six runs at once: A six gives you 6 runs with just one shot. That’s the maximum you can score from a single ball.
- Changes the game quickly: When batsmen hit sixes, they can score runs very fast. This puts pressure on the bowling team.
- Excites the crowd: Fans love watching sixes. It’s the most thrilling moment in any cricket match.
- Wins matches: Teams that hit more sixes often win games because they score runs faster.
In modern ODI cricket, teams regularly score 300+ runs in 50 overs. To do this, batsmen need to hit boundaries—especially sixes.
Complete List: Players With Most Sixes In ODI Cricket
Here’s a simple table showing the top 21 batsmen who’ve hit the most sixes in ODI cricket history:
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Total Sixes | Matches Played | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India | 352 | 277 | 2007-2025 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 351 | 398 | 1996-2015 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 331 | 301 | 1999-2019 |
| 4 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 270 | 445 | 1989-2011 |
| 5 | MS Dhoni | India | 229 | 350 | 2004-2019 |
| 6 | Eoin Morgan | England | 220 | 248 | 2006-2022 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 204 | 228 | 2005-2018 |
| 8 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 200 | 260 | 2002-2016 |
| 9 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 195 | 463 | 1989-2012 |
| 10 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 190 | 311 | 1992-2007 |
| 11 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 187 | 198 | 2009-2022 |
| 12 | Jos Buttler | England | 182 | 196 | 2012-2025 |
| 13 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 162 | 375 | 1995-2012 |
| 14 | Virat Kohli | India | 159 | 306 | 2008-2025 |
| 15 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 155 | 149 | 2012-2025 |
| 16 | Yuvraj Singh | India | 155 | 304 | 2000-2017 |
| 17 | Chris Cairns | New Zealand | 153 | 215 | 1991-2006 |
| 18 | Paul Stirling | Ireland | 149 | 170 | 2008-2025 |
| 19 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 149 | 287 | 1996-2008 |
| 20 | Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 147 | 236 | 2006-2022 |
| 21 | David Miller | South Africa | 144 | 178 | 2010-2025 |
What this table tells us:
- Only 3 players have hit more than 300 sixes
- India has 6 players in this top 21 list
- Rohit Sharma is the new record holder
- Some players, like Sachin, played many more matches but hit fewer sixes
Understanding the Top Records Simply
Let me explain the biggest records in easy words:
1. Rohit Sharma – The New King (352 Sixes)
Rohit Sharma is now number one! He broke Shahid Afridi’s record in November 2025.
Simple facts about Rohit:
- Plays for India as an opening batsman
- Started his ODI career in 2007
- Took 18 years to reach 352 sixes
- Known for his smooth, elegant batting style
What makes Rohit special?
He doesn’t just swing hard at the ball. Rohit times the ball perfectly. His pull shot (when he hits a short ball to the leg side) is beautiful to watch. He also hits straight sixes over the bowler’s head with great power.
Rohit has scored three double centuries (200+ runs) in ODI cricket—no other player has done this!
2. Shahid Afridi – Boom Boom (351 Sixes)
For 15 years, Shahid Afridi from Pakistan held the record for most sixes in ODI international cricket.
Simple facts about Afridi:
- Nickname: “Boom Boom” because he hit big shots
- Played from 1996 to 2015 (19 years)
- A very aggressive batsman who loved hitting sixes
- Also bowled leg-spin
What made Afridi special?
Afridi didn’t care about getting out. His job was to hit big and score fast. He once scored the fastest ODI century (100 runs) in just 37 balls! Even though Rohit broke his record, Afridi remains a legend.
3. Chris Gayle – The Universe Boss (331 Sixes)
Chris Gayle from the West Indies is called the “Universe Boss” for good reason!
Simple facts about Gayle:
- Very tall and powerful batsman
- Known for his huge sixes
- His highest ODI score is 215 runs with 16 sixes
- Also holds records in T20 cricket
What made Gayle special?
Gayle’s power is unmatched. When he hits the ball, it travels very far. He could destroy any bowling attack on his day. Fans loved watching him because he made cricket look fun and easy.
4. Other Important Players
- Sanath Jayasuriya (270 sixes): He changed how opening batsmen played. Before him, openers played slowly. Jayasuriya attacked from the first ball!
- MS Dhoni (229 sixes): Famous for finishing matches with sixes. His helicopter shot is iconic. He hit the winning six in India’s 2011 World Cup final!
- Eoin Morgan (220 sixes): Holds the record for most sixes in a single ODI match—17 sixes in one innings!
- AB de Villiers (204 sixes): Could hit sixes to every corner of the field. Invented many new shots.
Most Sixes In ODI Rohit Sharma: His Journey
Let’s understand how Rohit became the record holder:
Rohit’s Six-Hitting Journey:
| Stage | Sixes Hit | Time Period | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning | First 100 | 2007-2013 (6 years) | Struggled, played middle order |
| Breakthrough | Next 100 | 2013-2017 (4 years) | Became an opener, started dominating |
| Peak | Next 100 | 2017-2021 (4 years) | Consistent big scores |
| Record | Last 52+ | 2021-2025 (4 years) | Broke Afridi’s record |
The turning point: In 2013, India made Rohit an opening batsman. This changed everything! As an opener, he could face more balls and hit more sixes.
Record-breaking moment: On November 30, 2025, playing against South Africa in Ranchi, Rohit hit three sixes in his innings. With these sixes, he reached 352 total and became the new champion!
Most Sixes In Single ODI Match: One-Day Explosions
Sometimes batsmen have extraordinary days when they hit many sixes in just one match. Here are the biggest single-match six-hitting performances:
| Player | Country | Total Runs | Sixes Hit | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eoin Morgan | England | 148 | 17 | Afghanistan | 2019 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 209 | 16 | Australia | 2013 |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 149 | 16 | West Indies | 2015 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 215 | 16 | Zimbabwe | 2015 |
| Shane Watson | Australia | 185 | 15 | Bangladesh | 2011 |
Understanding these records:
- Eoin Morgan’s 17 sixes: This is the world record. In 2019, Morgan hit 17 sixes in one innings against Afghanistan. This record seems almost impossible to break!
- AB de Villiers’ 16 sixes in 44 balls: De Villiers hit 16 sixes but faced only 44 balls total. That means he hit a six almost every third ball. Amazing!
- Rohit’s 209 runs: When Rohit scored 209, he hit 16 sixes. This remains one of the highest individual scores in ODI cricket.
How Modern Players Hit More Sixes?
You might wonder: Why are players hitting more sixes now than 20 years ago?
Here are the simple reasons:
1. Better Bats
Modern cricket bats are better designed. They have:
- Thicker edges
- Bigger sweet spots
- Lighter weight but more power
Even mis-hits travel far now!
2. Smaller Boundaries
Many cricket stadiums have made boundaries shorter. This means:
- Easier to hit sixes
- Batsmen take more risks
- More exciting for fans
3. Changed Mindset
Modern batsmen think differently:
- They practice hitting sixes
- Teams want aggressive batting
- T20 cricket taught them to attack
4. Better Fitness
Today’s cricketers are super fit:
- They play longer careers
- Can hit harder because of gym training
- Recover faster from injuries
5. Learning from T20
T20 cricket (shorter format) has influenced ODI batting:
- Players learn new shots
- An aggressive approach becomes normal
- Franchise cricket teaches power-hitting
Comparing Formats: ODI vs T20 vs Test
Cricket has three main formats. Let’s see who hits the most sixes in international cricket across all formats:
| Format | Record Holder | Total Sixes | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI Cricket | Rohit Sharma (India) | 352 | 277 |
| T20 Cricket | Rohit Sharma (India) | 205 | 164 |
| Test Cricket | Ben Stokes (England) | 126 | 111 |
Simple explanation:
- ODI: Rohit Sharma leads with 352 sixes. This article focuses on ODI records.
- T20 International Cricket: Rohit also leads most sixes in T20 International Cricket with 205 sixes. T20 matches are shorter (20 overs), so fewer total sixes than ODI.
- Test Cricket: For most sixes in Test International Cricket, Ben Stokes from England leads with 126 sixes. Test cricket is slower and longer, so sixes are rarer.
All Formats Combined:
| Player | ODI Sixes | Test Sixes | T20I Sixes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 352 | 81 | 205 | 638 |
| Chris Gayle | 331 | 98 | 124 | 553 |
| Shahid Afridi | 351 | 52 | 54 | 457 |
Rohit Sharma actually has the most sixes in all formats combined in international cricket!
Note: Chris Gayle has hit 1000+ sixes if we include domestic T20 leagues like IPL.
Not Just Sixes: Most Fours In ODI
While sixes are exciting, hitting fours (boundaries along the ground or just over fielders) shows great skill. Here are the players with the most fours in ODI:
| Player | Country | Total Fours | Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 2016 | 1989-2012 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1532 | 2000-2015 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1500 | 1989-2011 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 1343 | 2008-2025 |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 1231 | 1995-2012 |
Interesting fact: Sachin Tendulkar hit 2016 fours but only 195 sixes. This shows he focused on placement and timing rather than just power. Virat Kohli is still playing and might break Sachin’s record soon!
Who Might Break Records Next?
The race continues! Here are active players who could challenge these records:
Jos Buttler (England):
- Currently has 182 sixes
- Very aggressive batsman
- Could reach 250+ sixes if he plays till 2028
Glenn Maxwell (Australia):
- Has 155 sixes already
- Known as a power-hitter
- Strike rate is the highest among all (126.70)
David Miller (South Africa):
- Has 144 sixes
- Specialist finisher
- Could reach 200+ sixes
Virat Kohli (India):
- Has 159 sixes
- Still playing actively
- Might reach 200 sixes
But remember: Rohit Sharma is still playing too! He might extend his record to 370-380 sixes before he retires.
Simple Tips: What Can Young Players Learn?
If you’re a young cricket fan or player, here’s what you can learn from these legends:
From Rohit Sharma:
- Practice timing, not just power
- Convert good starts into big scores
- Stay calm under pressure
From Shahid Afridi:
- Play with confidence
- Don’t fear failure
- Entertainment matters
From Chris Gayle:
- Believe in your strength
- Make cricket fun
- Aggression can win matches
From MS Dhoni:
- Finish what you start
- Stay cool in tough situations
- Practice unconventional shots
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Who has the most sixes in ODI cricket now?
Rohit Sharma from India holds the record with 352 sixes, breaking Shahid Afridi’s old record in November 2025.
- Q2: What’s the record for most sixes in one match?
Eoin Morgan from England hit 17 sixes in one ODI innings against Afghanistan in 2019. This is the world record.
- Q3: How many sixes has Chris Gayle hit?
Chris Gayle has hit 331 sixes in ODI cricket, making him the third-highest six-hitter ever.
- Q4: Which Indian player has hit the most sixes?
Rohit Sharma leads all Indian players with 352 sixes. MS Dhoni is second with 229 sixes.
- Q5: Who has the most sixes across all cricket formats?
Rohit Sharma leads with 638 sixes across Test, ODI, and T20 International matches combined.
Final Thoughts: Why These Records Matter?
The players with the most sixes in ODI cricket have given us incredible memories. Each six represents more than just runs—it represents courage, skill, and entertainment.
Rohit Sharma’s 352 sixes show 18 years of hard work and dedication. Shahid Afridi’s 351 sixes showed fearless cricket. Chris Gayle’s 331 sixes brought joy to millions.
These numbers will change in the future. Someone will hit 400 sixes, maybe 450 or even 500! Cricket keeps evolving. Bats improve, players get stronger, and new heroes emerge.
But remember this: Behind every six is a story. A young boy dreaming of playing for his country. A stadium full of fans is cheering. A moment of pure magic when bat meets ball perfectly.
That’s why we love cricket. That’s why we celebrate these players. They don’t just break records, they create memories that last forever.
Keep watching cricket, keep learning, and who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll read an article about YOUR sixes! Dream big, practice hard, and enjoy the game.
Cricket is more than numbers—it’s about passion, excitement, and the joy of watching a ball sail over the boundary rope into the stands.
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