Rohit Sharma, renowned for his impeccable timing and grace at the crease, is on the verge of breaking one of cricket’s most prestigious records, surpassing Chris Gayle’s international Sixes tally. While Rohit has never been classified as a power hitter in the mold of Dhoni, McCullum, Guptill, or Gayle, his cricketing career has been characterized by exquisite timing and remarkable consistency. With just 14 sixes separating him from this historic achievement, Rohit Sharma is poised to etch his name in the annals of cricketing history.

Rohit Sharma currently has the distinction of smashing the second-highest number of international sixes, with 539. The only cricketer ahead of him in this elite category is Chris Gayle. This feat is especially remarkable considering Rohit’s early years in international cricket when he was not a permanent fixture in the Indian team lineup.

Rohit Sharma’s sixes tally spans different game formats, showcasing his adaptability and prowess in all formats. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has struck 280 sixes, while in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he boasts 182. Even in Test cricket, traditionally known for its emphasis on patience and technique, Rohit has hit 77 sixes, surpassing many legendary cricketers. Notably, even Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, did not amass as many sixes in international cricket as Rohit is on the cusp of achieving.

“It will be a unique record for sure. Never in my life would I have imagined that I would be the one to break Chris Gayle’s record. It is funny. I am not a muscle person but I like hitting the ball hard,” he told senior journalist Vimal Kumar in a chat on his YouTube channel.

Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Rohit Sharma highlighted the stark contrast between his early years and the record-breaking six-hitting prowess he possesses today. In his formative years, he and his friends followed strict protocols set by coaches and adhered to the ‘Khadoos’ Mumbai School of Cricket, which prioritized mastering the basics and timing the ball. Their school’s lack of practice nets and the fear of injuring someone with aerial shots prevented them from practicing big hits. Rohit’s journey from these basic principles to being on the verge of breaking Chris Gayle’s sixes record is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.

“When I started playing cricket, we were told to time the ball. In the aerial shots we play we were asked to cut them down. We used to practice in school so there was no chance of hitting the ball in the air because that could have hit someone. We didn’t have nets back then so we always played the ball along the ground. That’s how the basics began, time the ball, come in the line of the ball, keep your head still. We would be chucked out of nets if we hit along the air,” added the India captain.

Rohit Sharma’s imminent ascent to the top of the international sixes chart, surpassing Chris Gayle, represents a unique and historic accomplishment. His remarkable ability to time and hit the ball cleanly over the ropes across all game formats underscores his versatility as a cricketer. As Rohit continues to make his mark in international cricket, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await his coronation as the undisputed king of sixes, adding further glory to his already illustrious career, including three ODI triple centuries.

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