Rohit Sharma Creates World Cup History: First Indian To Achieve Rare Feat

In a recent ODI World Cup match against New Zealand in Dharamsala, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, showcased remarkable form by achieving a rare feat. He became the first Indian player and the third overall in the history of ODIs to hit 50 or more sixes in a calendar year. Prior to this, only South Africa’s AB de Villiers and West Indies’ Chris Gayle had accomplished this feat. Rohit achieved this milestone by hitting a six against New Zealand pacer Matt Henry in the second over of India’s 274-run chase.

Here’s  list of batters with 50 or more ODI sixes in a calendar year

1. AB de Villiers – 58 sixes in 2015.
2. Chris Gayle – 56 sixes in 2019.
3. Rohit Sharma – 53 sixes in 2023.

Despite his impressive performance, Rohit scored a quickfire 46 before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson in the 12th over. He emphasized the importance of staying balanced and not thinking too far ahead in the tournament. Rohit also praised Mohammed Shami for his performance with the ball and mentioned how Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja contributed to India’s victory.

On the New Zealand side, Daryl Mitchell played a stellar role, hitting a century (130), and with the support of Rachin Ravindra (75), they put on a partnership of 159 runs, which was the highest between the two teams in a World Cup for any wicket, surpassing a previous record held by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in 1987.

Later in the match, fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s excellent performance, with figures of 5-54, helped India make a comeback in the final 10 overs, limiting New Zealand to 273 all out.