When Rohit Sharma Broke Chris Gayle's Record Of Most Sixes
Rohit Sharma has hit most number of sixes at the international stage (Twitter)
Rohit Sharma wouldn't have happy memories of how the ICC World Cup 2023 ended for him but the Indian captain and batting great can perhaps look back at his personal run and take a moment to feel proud of the way he batted.
The veteran opener was outstanding throughout India's campaign and smashed a whopping 597 runs in his 11 innings at a strike-rate above 125, including a century and three half-centuries.
Donning the hat of a mighty aggressor, the 36-year-old played a highly influential role in India's excellent winning juggernaut, featuring ten consecutive wins before painstakingly losing the final.
When Rohit Broke Past Gayle's Sixes Tally
Rohit plundered an eye-catching 66 fours and 31 sixes out of the 474 deliveries he faced in the middle. True to his style and reputation, the cricketer struck a flurry of maximums during the marquee competition, which allowed him to clinch a spectacular record next to his name.
It was during the recent World Cup on home shores that the giant of Indian cricket became world cricket's unmatched six-hitting machine. He surpassed West Indies legend Chris Gayle in the tally of sixes hit at the international stage.
While Gayle finished with 553 maximums at the highest level from 483 innings, Rohit's all-format count overhauled him on the 31st ball of his magnificent innings and century during the league stage fixture in Delhi versus Afghanistan in what was the batter's 453rd game for India.
Speaking about the record during an interaction with BCCI.tv, Rohit felt proud to have gone past the 'Universe Boss' and said his body of work with maximums is a result of taking inspiration from the Caribbean stalwart.
"Universe Boss is Universe Boss. I have taken a leaf out of his book. Over the years, we have seen him, such a six-hitting machine he is wherever he plays," Rohit had said.
"We both wear the same jersey - No. 45. I am sure he is happy about it because jersey No. 45 has done it [broken his record]."
Later on, Gayle took to Twitter and congratulated his Indian friend for going one-up on him in the sixes count, something Rohit said he had never imagined when he started playing international cricket.
"When I started playing this game, I never thought I would be able to hit sixes like that, let alone that many sixes. Obviously, a lot of work has gone into it over the years. So I am quite happy with the work I have."
 "Kashish Chadha")
