Rohit Sharma added another monumental chapter to his illustrious legacy during the opening ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. In a performance that mixed authority with artistry, the former India captain broke one of limited overs cricket’s most iconic records to surpass Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record.
IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma breaks Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s ODI world record with masterclass in Ranchi
Rohit Sharma played a stunning innings to become the player with the most number of sixes in ODI history, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s iconic tally of 351 sixes in a spectacular display of power-hitting in Ranchi. Moving with clarity and intent, Rohit dominated the South African attack with a mix of composure and explosiveness, equaling Afridi’s record with consecutive sixes off Prenellan Subrayan before following through with a crisp short-arm pull to fine leg against Marco Jansen.
His strokeplay was effortless, his timing superb and his willingness to dictate the tempo of the innings was a reminder of why he is one of the most complete limited overs batsmen of his generation. Beyond the record, Rohit also brought up his 60th ODI half-century, and proceeded to chase the target with characteristic calmness even as the South African bowlers searched for answers. His new milestone adds to an already extraordinary resume where he leads the list in terms of sixes hit in T20Is (205) and is also one of the most impressive sixes in Test cricket with 88 sixes, taking his total in international cricket to an unprecedented 642 sixes. The Ranchi crowd responded with resounding approval, knowing that they were witnessing a moment that would be mentioned in cricket conversations for decades.
India take control of Ranchi ODI after South Africa decide to bowl first
South Africa’s decision to bowl first looked risky from the early overs, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma immediately took advantage of the new ball, taking India to 50 inside seven overs. Jaiswal’s quick cameo ended when Berger took the lead, but it brought together one of the most destructive partnerships in ODI cricket – Rohit and Kohli. Rohit started cautiously before getting into his official boundary, pulling Jenson for sixes and then equaling Shahid Afridi’s record by hitting two consecutive deliveries off Subrayan. His history-breaking six came in signature style: a front-foot pull over fine leg, which sent the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Kohli played the role of tempo-controller to perfection, piercing the gaps, rotating the strike and punishing the width with a series of brilliant cover drives. His century stand came easily, based on fast running and complete control of the South African attack. Subrayen and Bosch leaked boundaries, while Baartman struggled with discipline, repeatedly offering lengths. Jensen eventually ended the record-setting innings by having Rohit LBW for 57, but failed to slow down India’s momentum. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s short outing ended with a wrong bounce, yet India’s run rate remained above 6.7 per over as Kohli continued to hit boundaries. With Washington Sundar joining them and India already at 185/3 in 27.2 overs, a total of over 330 looked very achievable. South Africa will need quick success in the middle overs to prevent India from being completely out of the contest.
