Rohit Sharma, often celebrated for his impeccable timing rather than raw power, is on the cusp of rewriting cricket history. With just 14 sixes separating him from the revered record held by the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma’s journey to becoming the undisputed king of sixes is an extraordinary tale of talent, perseverance, and evolution.
Rohit Sharma’s batting prowess has always been described as having “an extra split second” – a gift of timing that sets him apart. Unlike renowned power hitters like MS Dhoni, Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, or Chris Gayle, Rohit’s ability to clear the boundary often seems deceptive. However, his statistics tell a different story.
Closing in on Gayle’s record
Currently boasting 539 international sixes, Rohit Sharma holds the second-highest number of sixes in international cricket, with only Chris Gayle ahead of him. The 34-year-old batsman has 280 sixes in ODIs, 182 in T20Is, and another 77 in Tests. Even cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli fall short in comparison. It’s only a matter of time before Rohit ascends the throne of six-hitting supremacy.
Reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s journey, it’s crucial to note that his career began as a 22-year-old for India in 2007. Initially, he was not a permanent fixture in the national team, making his achievements all the more thunderous. With 539 sixes in his arsenal, he adds another layer of glory to his illustrious career, which already includes three ODI triple centuries.
“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,” Rohit Sharma shared in a candid conversation with senior journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel.
Rohit Sharma’s Humble Beginnings
Rohit Sharma’s journey to six-hitting stardom is a testament to his dedication and ability to adapt. His early days in cricket were far removed from the image of a record-breaking six-hitter. In school, Rohit and his friends adhered to strict protocols set by their coaches, following the traditional ‘Khadoos’ Mumbai school of cricket mentality. The emphasis was on mastering the basics, such as timing the ball and keeping it along the ground.
“When I started playing cricket, we were told to time the ball. 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 used to play the ball along the ground all the time. 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,” revealed the Indian cricket captain.
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