Rohit Sharma added another big record to his name during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, 2026. The India captain became the highest six-hitter as an opener in ODI cricket, going past Chris Gayle.
Rohit hit his 329th six as an opener, breaking Gayle’s long-standing record of 328 maximums. What made the feat even more special was the speed. Rohit reached the mark in just 191 innings, while Gayle took 274 innings to get there.
The record-breaking moment came in the seventh over of the innings. Rohit stepped down the track and smashed New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson for a clean six over mid-on, drawing loud cheers from the crowd in Vadodara.
Rohit’s stay at the crease was short but impactful. He scored 26 runs from 29 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Jamieson later dismissed him, but the milestone had already been sealed.
During the same match, Rohit also touched another historic mark. Across all formats of international cricket, he became the first player to hit 650 sixes. This underlined his dominance as one of the most feared hitters in modern cricket.
Chris Gayle now sits second on the all-format six-hitters list with 553 sixes. The gap shows how far Rohit has pushed the limits in the power-hitting game.
Rohit already holds the record for the most sixes in overall ODI cricket as well, with more than 350 maximums. He had earlier gone past Shahid Afridi, who was known for his aggressive style.
Among openers, the list now clearly belongs to Rohit. Gayle is second, while Sanath Jayasuriya is third with 263 sixes as an ODI opener.
Rohit’s ability to clear the ropes with ease has always stood out. His pull shot, balance at the crease, and timing allow him to hit sixes without taking big risks.