World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian to hit 50 or more ODI sixes in a calendar year
India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, continues to shine brightly in the ongoing ODI World Cup, achieving a remarkable milestone during India’s clash with New Zealand in Dharamsala. In that match, Rohit became the first Indian player and only the third overall to hit 50 or more ODI sixes in a single calendar year. Prior to this, the exclusive club included South Africa’s AB de Villiers and West Indies legend Chris Gayle, both known for their power-hitting prowess. Rohit reached this milestone by dispatching New Zealand pacer Matt Henry for a six in the second over of India’s 274-run chase.
List of batters with 50 or more ODI sixes in a calendar year:
- 58 – AB de Villiers (2015)
- 56 – Chris Gayle (2019)
- 53 – Rohit Sharma (2023)
Despite chasing a target of 274, Rohit made a blistering start, amassing 46 runs swiftly before Lockie Ferguson sent him back to the pavilion in the 12th over.
After the game, Rohit Sharma shared his thoughts, saying, “A good start to the tournament. The job is only half done. It’s important to maintain our balance and not get ahead of ourselves. Staying in the present is crucial. Shami seized the opportunity with both hands. His experience in these conditions and his class as a bowler showed. At one point, we were eyeing a score of 300 plus. Credit goes to our bowlers in the latter part of the innings. I’m enjoying my batting. Both of us are different personalities, but we complement each other. I’m happy that we won. There’s not much to say. Kohli has done this for us for so many years. He believed in himself to get the job done. Kohli and Jadeja pulled us back when we lost a few wickets in the middle.”
Before that, in the same match, Daryl Mitchell showcased his brilliance by smashing a sparkling century, steering New Zealand to a total of 273 all out against India in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash in Dharamsala.
Despite losing their openers early after being asked to bat first, Mitchell (130) and Rachin Ravindra (75) joined forces to put together an impressive partnership of 159, reviving the New Zealand innings.
This partnership set a record as the highest ever between the two teams in a World Cup, surpassing the previous best of 136 runs set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in 1987.
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in India’s comeback during the final 10 overs, finishing with outstanding figures of 5-54 in his first appearance in the tournament.
Although Ravindra was dismissed in the 34th over, Mitchell continued to attack, reaching his fifth ODI century.
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