Vintage Virat Kohli hits 8 sixes in Ranchi; Look at his iconic six-hitting exploits in ODIs

Akshita Patel

Most sixes by Virat Kohli in an ODI innings [Source: AFP Photos]Most sixes by Virat Kohli in an ODI innings [Source: AFP Photos]

Few sights in cricket are as thrilling as a Virat Kohli six sailing over the boundary. Kohli may not be labelled as a pure power hitter like some, but when he decides to clear the ropes, he does it with style and authority. 

In his recent 135-run knock against South Africa in Ranchi, the veteran slammed a barrage of sixes to rediscover his old form.

On that note, here's a look at the times when Virat Kohli smashed the most sixes in a single ODI innings. 

3. 5 sixes vs England, Pune, 2017

In the first ODI against England in 2017, Virat Kohli exhibited his six-hitting ability in his 122 off 105 balls knock. He smashed five sixes and eight fours with a strike rate of 116.19. 

The bowlers tried to keep the ball away from his hitting range, but his footwork and placement were too good. That knock helped India reach a massive total of 350 runs, but they unfortunately lost the game by 3 wickets.

3. 5 sixes vs South Africa, Chennai, 2015

In Chennai, Virat Kohli combined aggression with composure to smash 138 off 140 balls. Against a tough South African bowling attack, he chose the right balls to attack. The five sixes he hit were perfectly timed and showed his ability to shift gears when needed. This innings was more about balance. 

He didn’t go looking for every big shot, but when the chance came, he took full advantage. It was a mature display of power-hitting. Kohli also won the Player of the Match award after India registered a 35-run victory.

2. 7 sixes vs South Africa, Ranchi, 2025

In the first ODI of the series against South Africa held at Ranchi, Virat Kohli, 37, rediscovered his vintage form. Batting at no. 3, he stitched a 100-plus run partnership with Rohit Sharma and went on to score his 52nd ODI ton. 

In his 135 off 120 balls knock, Kohli hammered seven sixes and 11 fours at a strike rate of 112.50. This knock was special because it came at a time when many questioned if he still had that aggressive fire. 

Kohli answered with his bat. Each six carried a message that he is still one of the best in the business.

2. 7 sixes vs Australia, Jaipur, 2013

This was one of Kohli’s most iconic chases in ODIs. India were chasing a massive total of 360 runs against a powerful Australian side. The pressure was huge, but Virat Kohli walked in with a clear idea to attack. 

What followed was absolute carnage. He went after the Aussie bowlers without any fear, especially in those middle overs. Seven sixes flew off his bat, many of them clean strikes down the ground and over mid-wicket. 

It was one of the fastest and most memorable centuries ever witnessed on Indian soil, and it showed the world how destructive Virat Kohli could be.

1. 8 sixes vs Sri Lanka, Thiruvananthapuram, 2023

In the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the beginning of 2023, Kohli was uncontainable. He looked in total control from the very first over and played with great confidence. 

He converted his sublime hundred into a 166* off 110 balls knock, which included 13 fours and eight sixes at a 150.90 strike rate. Eight sixes in one innings is huge in ODI cricket, and Virat Kohli made it look effortless. 

The crowd at Thiruvananthapuram witnessed something special as India posted 390 runs on the board and registered a landslide 317-run victory.