Six-hitting is one of the most game-changing aspects of cricket. With the rise of shorter formats, players worldwide have worked to enhance their power-hitting abilities, making sixes a crucial part of the modern game. Delivering a maximum requires exceptional power, timing, and technique to clear the ropes with ease.
Legendary batters like Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi, and AB de Villiers have redefined aggressive batting with their innovative stroke play. These power-hitters have instilled fear in bowlers, as no delivery seems safe from their explosive hitting.
On that note, let’s take a look at the top five batsmen with the most sixes in international cricket.
5. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 383 Sixes
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill is renowned for his big-hitting ability in white-ball cricket. He ranks fifth among the highest six-hitters in international cricket, having smashed 383 sixes across formats. Guptill has hit 23 sixes in Tests, 187 in ODIs, and 173 in T20Is. In the T20I format, he is the second-highest six-hitter, trailing only Rohit Sharma, who has 205 sixes.
4. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 398 Sixes
Former New Zealand captain and current England coach Brendon McCullum sits fourth on the all-time six-hitting list with 398 sixes in international cricket. He is one of only three batters to have struck over 100 sixes in Test cricket, boasting 107 sixes in Tests, 200 in ODIs, and 91 in T20Is. McCullum’s fearless and aggressive batting style made him a fan favorite worldwide.
3. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 476 Sixes
Nicknamed Boom Boom Afridi, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi was famous for his explosive batting and ability to clear the boundary with ease. Like McCullum, he played an aggressive brand of cricket regardless of conditions or opposition. Afridi smashed a total of 476 sixes in international cricket, including 52 in Tests, 351 in ODIs, and 73 in T20Is. Notably, he remains the leading six-hitter in ODI cricket.
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 553 Sixes
Before Rohit Sharma surpassed him, West Indies legend Chris Gayle held the record for the most sixes in international cricket. Known for his brute power, Gayle hammered 553 sixes across formats, including 98 in Tests, 331 in ODIs, and 124 in T20Is. In addition to his international exploits, Gayle has hit 1,056 sixes in T20 leagues worldwide, making him one of the most destructive batters in cricket history.
1. Rohit Sharma (India) – 627 Sixes
Indian captain Rohit Sharma, famously known as Hitman, holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket. He is the only batter in history to surpass 600 sixes across formats, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest power-hitters of all time.
As of now, Rohit has struck 627 sixes in international cricket, with 334 in ODIs, 88 in Tests, and 205 in T20Is, making him the undisputed king of six-hitting.