Shahid Afridi finally breaks silence on Rohit Sharma shattering his record of most sixes in ODIs

Rohit Sharma now has 355 sixes in ODIs.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has broken his silence and applauded veteran Rohit Sharma for breaking his record of most sixes in ODIs. The former Indian captain became the leading six-hitter in ODI cricket during the recent three-match series against South Africa, going past Afridi’s tally of 351 sixes.

Rohit Sharma, who only plays ODIs now, bettered that record in the first ODI match against South Africa during his innings of 57. The right-hander then extended his tally to 355 in the third ODI in Raipur, where he slammed yet another half-century.

Shahid Afridi during his chat with Telecom Asia Sport was asked about Rohit’s latest feat. The former Pakistan skipper said:

“Records are meant to be broken, and this too is now bettered. I am happy that a player whom I have always liked has broken this record. During Deccan Chargers practice sessions, I watched him bat & his class impressed me. I knew that one day Rohit would play for India & he has proved himself as a classy batter,” he said.

In the same chat with Telecom Asia Sport, Afridi recalled how cricketing records are meant to be broken citing Corey Anderson going past his record for the fastest ODI century.

“My record of fastest century stood for nearly 18 years, but it was finally broken, so records are set by one player and another player comes and breaks it. This is cricket,” Afridi said.

For the unversed, Afridi scored a century off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka before Anderson bettered that record scoring a ton off just 36 balls in an ODI against West Indies in early 2014. That record stood for just 12 months before AB De Villiers smashed the fastest ODI ton off just 31 balls against West Indies at Johannesburg in 2015.

Shahid Afridi skipper backs Rohit and Virat to play ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future has been one of the hottest topics in recent weeks. Both batters have been in terrific form in recent games with Kohli in particular rediscovering his best form. India’s veteran duo have stated their intent to play the biggest ODI showpiece event set to be held in late 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Shahid Afridi has slammed Indian coach Gautam Gambhir and put his weight behind India’s veteran duo. The 48-year-old said:

“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and the way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup.”

While speaking about Gambhir, the former Pakistan star said:

“The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to form

Virat Kohli had scored two ducks in the first two ODI matches against Australia. He, then followed it up with an unbeaten 74 in the final ODI in Sydney and then smashed two centuries in successive games against South Africa and scored 65 not out in the final ODI at Vizag. The 37-year-old ended the series with 302 runs at an average of 151.

Rohit Sharma on the other hand had scored 146 runs from three games with an average just under 49. Both players are expected to return to domestic cricket as a tune-up for the New Zealand series to be played early 2026. Rohit, reportedly, is set to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and might also play the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this month. Virat Kohli is also set to mark his return to domestic cricket in the same tournament for Delhi.

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