Rohit Sharma Surpasses Chris Gayle’s Sixes Record in Grand Style at the Cricket World Cup
The Art of Six-Hitting: A Page from Gayle’s Playbook
In an astonishing display of cricket, Rohit Sharma, the charismatic India captain, shattered the record previously held by West Indies’ opener Chris Gayle for the most sixes hit, a feat that has sent ripples across the Cricket World Cup stage.
“When I embarked on this cricketing journey, the thought of smashing sixes in such a manner, or in such abundance, was beyond my imagination,” Rohit reflected after his record-setting performance.
Tribute to the ‘Universe Boss’
Commencing his innings with 551 sixes, merely two shy of Gayle’s record, it took Rohit only 31 balls to etch his name in history, dispatching Naveen-ul-Haq’s delivery with a majestic front-foot pull. In a candid chat with bcci.tv following India’s triumph by eight wickets, Rohit acknowledged the ‘Universe Boss’ himself as his inspiration. “Universe Boss is, well, Universe Boss,” he quipped. “I’ve indeed borrowed a chapter from his book. He’s been an absolute six-hitting marvel wherever the game has taken him.”
Congrats, @ImRo45 – Most Sixes in International cricket. #45 Special 🙌🏿 pic.twitter.com/kmDlM1dIAj
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) October 11, 2023
Notably, the two cricketing giants share more than records and talent, something Rohit was quick to highlight: “We both don the No. 45 jersey. I reckon he’d be chuffed to bits, knowing No. 45 has clinched it [the record].”
The camaraderie didn’t end on the field, as Gayle’s congratulatory message on Twitter received a quirky response from the India skipper.
A Record Achieved, A Journey Unveiled
It took Rohit 453 matches to eclipse Gayle’s tally of 553 sixes, achieved in 483 international fixtures. Yet, the humble hitman expressed sheer disbelief at his own six-hitting prowess. “Honestly, amassing this number of sixes was never my initial dream. Naturally, it’s the culmination of years of dedication and toil. I take immense pride in the effort invested,” he admitted.
Yet, Rohit, ever the perfectionist, stressed his journey doesn’t end here. “Contentment isn’t in my nature. My gaze is set firmly on what lies ahead, continuing this trajectory. Nevertheless, this is a joyous milestone for me.”
India’s World Cup Prospects: A Game at a Time
With their World Cup campaign off to a flying start, India savours their current second-place standing, hot on New Zealand’s heels. However, Rohit emphasised the importance of a measured approach. “The format of the World Cup is unique – nine league games before the semi-finals and final. Our recent victory was a testament to our bowlers’ remarkable effort, keeping the score under 280 on a batsman-friendly wicket,” he analysed.
Rohit concluded with a strategic outlook, “Our focus is steadfast on the present, taking each match as it unfolds, without getting ahead of ourselves.”
