Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, is setting the ODI World Cup on fire with his extraordinary performances. In a match against New Zealand in Dharamsala, Rohit achieved a historic milestone that will be etched in cricketing history. He became the first Indian player, and only the third globally, to hit 50 or more ODI sixes in a single calendar year.
Before Rohit’s remarkable feat, this elite club included South Africa’s AB de Villiers and West Indies legend Chris Gayle. Rohit’s record-breaking six came in the second over of India’s pursuit of 274 runs, as he dispatched New Zealand pacer Matt Henry’s delivery over the boundary.
Here’s a look at the list of batters with 50 ODI sixes in a calendar year:
AB de Villiers – 58 sixes (2015)
Chris Gayle – 56 sixes (2019)
Rohit Sharma – 53 sixes (2023)
In the match against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma contributed significantly with a quickfire 46 runs before Lockie Ferguson dismissed him in the 12th over. Despite his dismissal, India managed to secure a crucial victory.
Rohit Sharma, in his post-match statement, emphasized the importance of staying balanced and focused in the ongoing tournament. He praised teammate Mohammed Shami for his exceptional bowling performance and expressed his enjoyment of batting. Rohit also commended the contributions of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in pulling the team back from difficult situations.
Earlier in the match, Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant century guided New Zealand to a competitive total of 273 runs. The stand between Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, worth 159 runs, was a turning point in the game. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand’s run flow in the final 10 overs.
Rohit Sharma’s exceptional achievement and India’s overall performance in the match have left cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating their next showdown in the World Cup.