Most Sixes in ODI Cricket History: Top 10 Players

In ODI cricket, sixes are more than just boundaries. They can change a match, silence a crowd or turn an ordinary innings into an unforgettable performance. Over the years, several legendary batters have built their reputations through extraordinary power hitting and consistent boundary clearing. But who has hit the most sixes in men’s ODI cricket? Which players dominated this record, and how do today’s stars compare with cricket’s greatest hitters? Let’s explore the biggest six-hitting records in ODI history.

Most Sixes in ODI Cricket History

Rohit Sharma holds the record for hitting the most sixes in men’s ODI cricket. The Indian batter surpassed Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on November 30, 2025. With this achievement, Rohit became the leading six-hitter in the history of the format.

Top 10 Players with the Most Sixes in ODI Cricket

The following table highlights the leading six-hitters in men’s ODI cricket (stats updated till March 20, 2026).

Now ODI career batting records. Rohit Sharma is still an active player, so his tally may change.

Rohit Sharma: The Leading Six-Hitter in ODI Cricket

Rohit Sharma has established himself as one of the most destructive opening batters in ODI cricket. His ability to play attacking shots while maintaining batting consistency has made him a standout performer in the format.

On November 30, 2025, Rohit broke Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 ODI sixes during India’s match against South Africa in Ranchi, hitting three sixes in the innings to reach 352. 

Rohit’s six-hitting ability is particularly impressive because it combines timing, shot selection and power. Rather than relying exclusively on brute force, he regularly clears the boundary through well-executed pull shots, hooks and lofted drives.

Shahid Afridi: A Legendary ODI Power-Hitter

Shahid Afridi was one of the most aggressive batters of his generation. Known for his explosive batting style, Afridi frequently changed the direction of ODI matches through powerful hitting.

He finished his ODI career with 351 sixes, holding the record for the most sixes in the format until Rohit Sharma surpassed him in 2025.

Afridi’s attacking approach made him particularly dangerous during the middle and death overs. His ability to score rapidly also established him as one of Pakistan’s most entertaining cricketers.

Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss of Sixes

Chris Gayle is widely regarded as one of the greatest power-hitters in cricket history. The West Indies batter finished his ODI career with 331 sixes, making him one of the most successful six-hitters in the format.

Gayle’s batting was characterised by immense power, a strong backlift and the ability to hit sixes against both pace and spin. His performances in international cricket and franchise leagues established his reputation as a global power-hitting icon.

Sanath Jayasuriya and MS Dhoni: Two Different Styles of Power

Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionised ODI opening batting through his aggressive approach during the early overs. He finished his career with 270 sixes, combining attacking stroke play with exceptional scoring ability.

MS Dhoni, meanwhile, became famous for his finishing skills. His 229 ODI sixes reflect his ability to accelerate innings and finish matches under pressure. Dhoni’s helicopter shot and powerful hitting towards the end of an innings made him one of India’s most celebrated finishers.

Most Sixes in a Single ODI Innings

Career records are not the only measure of power hitting. Some batters have produced extraordinary six-hitting performances within a single ODI innings.

Eoin Morgan – 17 Sixes Against Afghanistan

Eoin Morgan holds the record for the most sixes in a single men’s ODI innings. On June 18, 2019, he smashed 17 sixes while scoring 148 runs from just 71 balls against Afghanistan during the ICC Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester.

His remarkable innings helped England reach 397/6. Morgan’s 17 sixes surpassed the previous record of 16, jointly held by Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.

Most Sixes by Indian Batters in ODI Cricket

India has produced several exceptional six-hitters across different generations. Rohit Sharma leads the Indian list with 381 sixes, followed by MS Dhoni (229), Sachin Tendulkar (195) and Sourav Ganguly (190), all of whom feature in the overall top 10.

Virat Kohli has built his reputation primarily through consistency, timing and exceptional run accumulation. 

The difference between these players highlights how ODI batting combines different strengths, from aggressive power hitting to controlled innings building.

Why Six-Hitting Matters in ODI Cricket

Six-hitting has become an important part of modern ODI batting. Although consistency and strike rotation remain essential, the ability to clear the boundary can significantly improve a team’s scoring rate.

Some of the major advantages of six-hitting include:

• Increasing the scoring rate: Sixes allow batters to accumulate runs quickly without relying exclusively on running between the wickets.
• Building pressure: Consecutive sixes can force bowlers to change their plans and create opportunities for other scoring shots.
• Changing match momentum: A powerful over can shift the pressure from the batting side to the fielding team.
• Improving finishing ability: Sixes during the final overs can help teams chase challenging targets or establish competitive totals.

However, successful ODI batting requires more than power. Players must also demonstrate patience, consistency, shot selection and the ability to adapt to different match situations.

CONCLUSION

Rohit Sharma leads the list of players with the most sixes in ODI cricket history, followed by Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle. Their achievements highlight the importance of power hitting in modern international cricket. Meanwhile, Eoin Morgan’s record of 17 sixes in a single ODI innings remains one of the most extraordinary batting performances in the format.

From Jayasuriya’s attacking opening style to Dhoni’s finishing ability and Rohit’s effortless boundary clearing, ODI cricket has witnessed several generations of exceptional six-hitters. These records continue to reflect the evolution of batting and the growing importance of aggressive scoring in the 50-over format.