In the contemporary era of cricket, Rohit Sharma has firmly established himself as one of the most formidable batsmen on the international stage. The Indian opener recently etched his name in the record books by hitting the most sixes in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing a long-standing record previously held by Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder, Shahid Afridi.
Afridi, who once mesmerised cricket fans worldwide with his explosive batting, expressed both delight and admiration for Sharma’s achievement, while simultaneously voicing criticism of former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir’s coaching decisions.
The record for the most sixes in ODIs had been held by Shahid Afridi, who struck 351 sixes across 398 matches. Rohit Sharma eclipsed this milestone during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, a feat that drew widespread acclaim. Reflecting on this moment, Afridi remarked, “Records are made to be broken. I am thrilled that a player I admire has achieved this.”
Afridi’s admiration for Sharma is not merely recent. Having watched Sharma closely during his tenure with the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Afridi was quick to recognise the young Indian’s talent. “Even then, I knew Rohit was destined to represent India. He has proven himself as one of the finest batsmen of our generation,” he added.
However, Afridi did not spare criticism for Gautam Gambhir’s handling of the Indian team. He particularly questioned Gambhir’s approach towards Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, noting that the duo’s Test retirements and the uncertainty surrounding their ODI careers were regrettable.
Afridi emphasised the need to utilise India’s star players judiciously: “In the South Africa series, both Rohit and Virat delivered exceptional performances. Gambhir seems to believe his perspective is always correct, but that is not how cricket works. Rohit and Virat remain the backbone of the Indian team and must be employed with care and strategic insight.”
ODI Sixes Record: Key Statistics
| Player | Matches | Total Sixes | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | 398 | 351 | Former record-holder |
| Rohit Sharma | – | 352+ | Record broken in Ranchi ODI |
Afridi’s comments highlight a broader conversation about player management and coaching strategies in Indian cricket, underscoring the importance of valuing experience alongside fresh talent. His praise for Rohit Sharma’s innings, combined with a candid critique of Gambhir, has reignited discussions among cricket analysts and fans alike.
Rohit Sharma’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the evolving nature of modern cricket, where records are challenged, and legends inspire future generations.
