Rohit Sharma added another monumental chapter to his glittering legacy during the opening ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. In a performance that blended authority with artistry, the India former captain shattered one of limited-overs cricket’s most iconic record to surpass Shahid Afridi’s long-standing mark.
IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma breaks Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s ODI world record with a masterclass in Ranchi
Rohit produced an innings of staggering authority to become the player with the most sixes in ODI history, overtaking Afridi’s iconic tally of 351 sixes in a single, dazzling display of power-hitting at Ranchi. Walking in with clarity and intent, Rohit dominated the South African attack with a blend of composure and explosiveness, matching Afridi’s record with back-to-back sixes off Prenelan Subrayen before soaring past it with a vintage short-arm pull over fine leg against Marco Jansen.
His stroke-making was effortless, his timing pristine, and his willingness to dictate the rhythm of the innings was a reminder of why he remains one of the most complete limited-overs batters of his generation. Beyond the record, Rohit also notched up his 60th ODI fifty, pacing the chase with characteristic calmness even as the South African bowlers searched for answers. His new milestone adds to an already extraordinary résumé, where he leads T20Is for sixes (205) and is among the most impactful hitters in Test cricket as well with 88 sixes, taking his total tally in international cricket to an unprecedented 642 maximums. The Ranchi crowd responded with roaring approval, aware they were witnessing a moment that will be referenced for decades across cricketing conversations.
India assert control in Ranchi ODI after South Africa opt to bowl first
South Africa’s decision to bowl first appeared risky from the opening overs, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma immediately capitalised on the hard new ball, racing India to 50 inside seven overs. Jaiswal’s quick cameo ended when Burger induced an edge, but that only brought together one of ODI cricket’s most destructive partnerships, Rohit and Virat Kohli. Rohit began cautiously before switching into his authoritative range, pulling Jansen for sixes and then levelling Shahid Afridi’s record with back-to-back blows off Subrayen. His landmark-breaking six came in signature style: a front-foot pull sailing over fine leg, sending the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy.
Kohli, meanwhile, played the tempo-controller’s role to perfection, piercing gaps, rotating strike, and punishing width with a series of elegant cover drives. Their century stand arrived with ease, built on sharp running and total command over the South African attack. Subrayen and Bosch leaked boundaries, while Baartman struggled with discipline, repeatedly offering length.
Jansen eventually trapped Rohit LBW on 57, ending a record-making innings but failing to slow India’s acceleration. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s short visit ended with a miscued loft, yet India’s run rate stayed above 6.7 per over thanks to Kohli continuing to find boundaries. With Washington Sundar joining him and India already at 185/3 in just 27.2 overs, a total beyond 330 looked very achievable. South Africa will need immediate breakthroughs in the middle overs to prevent India from batting them out of the contest completely.
