Rohit Sharma Set To Break ‘World Record’ As India Face South Africa In 1st ODI

Rohit Sharma, one of the most explosive opening batters in white-ball cricket, is on the verge of rewriting ODI history as India meet South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on Sunday. The India captain needs just three more sixes to become the most prolific six-hitter in ODI cricket, overtaking Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi.

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Rohit currently sits at 349 ODI sixes, just two behind Afridi’s formidable 351. One more powerful knock from the Hitman could see him storm past the all-time great and claim the record outright. Given Rohit’s blistering form in the recent series against Australia, cricket fans expect the milestone to be crossed sooner rather than later.

When Rohit sends the ball sailing into the stands for the 352nd time, he will become the undisputed king of ODI sixes, cementing his status as one of modern cricket’s most destructive batters.

Batters With the Most Sixes in ODI Cricket

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 351 sixes

Rohit Sharma (India): 349 sixes

Chris Gayle (West Indies): 331 sixes

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 270 sixes

MS Dhoni (India): 229 sixes

Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future: Eyes Set on 2027 World Cup

Despite advancing age and the demands of international cricket, Rohit has made it clear that he is committed to the 50-over format. The opener has openly stated his desire to represent India in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa. This long-term vision has been supported by his renewed focus on fitness, which has led to a visible and impressive physical transformation.

Having already retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit appears to be channelling all his white-ball commitment into one final push for the ODI crown he narrowly missed in 2023, when India fell short against Australia in the final.

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However, questions around his ODI role have emerged. Although he remains a crucial batter, the decision to remove him as ODI captain and concerns over his workload have placed his future under close review by the selectors. The BCCI and team management are expected to hold discussions soon to provide clear direction for senior players like Rohit, particularly regarding form, fitness, and participation in domestic cricket.

Unfazed by speculation, Rohit continues to let his performances speak. His recent return to the No. 1 ODI batting ranking reaffirmed his world-class credentials and silenced doubts about his longevity in the format.

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There are also strong indications that the team management wants both Rohit and Virat Kohli to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day tournament, to maintain rhythm and match fitness once the South Africa series concludes. As the ODI leg gets underway, all eyes will not only be on Rohit’s imminent world record, but also on how India’s senior-most batters shape their path forward.

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