Courtesy:BCCI/CWI

Courtesy:BCCI/CWI

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma finally returned to his form with a timely century against England in the second one-day international of the three-match series in Cuttack on Sunday. In addition, he is now in second place in the list of the highest six-hitters in ODIs, going past West Indies legend Chris Gayle. This was Rohit's 32nd century in 50-over cricket, and his first since his ton against Afghanistan in 2023. He also reached his half-century at the Barabati in only 30 deliveries. Rohit's stunning batting performance in the powerplay overs and beyond, boosted his batting form for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma displayed his fiery form against England bowlers from the start to eventually score a century in just 76 deliveries, an innings including seven sixes and 12 fours. This innings is very important for the skipper especially since he has been struggling with poor run of results with the bat and as captain against New Zealand and Australia in recent Tests.

Rohit Sharma surpasses Chris Gayle to become second highest six-hitter in ODIs

During his breathtaking innings, Rohit Sharma successfully surpassed West Indies batter Chris Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODIs. Rohit, who began the match equal with Gayle on 331 maximums, eclipsed the West Indies legend in the second over of the Indian innings when he hammered a six over midwicket with his characteristic flick shot against Gus Atkinson. He kept his six-hitting streak going and smacked England for two more before play was halted at Cuttack due to a floodlight breakdown, and the same power-hitting display continued after a half-hour break.

He is now just 13 sixes behind Pakistan's legendary cricketer Shahid Afridi, who has a total of 351 sixes in ODIs after batting in 369 innings, whereas this was Indian captain's 259th inning.

Let us check the list of top six players with most ODI sixes:

  1. 351 Shahid Afridi - 369 innings

  2. 338 Rohit Sharma - 259 innings

  3. 331 Chris Gayle - 294 innings

  4. 270 Sanath Jayasuriya - 433 innings

  5. 229 MS Dhoni - 297 innings

  6. 220 Eoin Morgan - 230 innings

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma got out for 119 runs in 90 balls, losing his wicket to Liam Livingstone, but at that point, India were in a strong position to chase down 305-run target, to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.