Rohit Sharma creates massive world record despite short outing with bat in Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia

During Tuesday's India vs. Australia match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, Rohit Sharma broke a massive world record during the Champions Trophy. After he smashed Nathan Ellis over the mid-wicket to surpass Chris Gayle's record of 64 sixes in ICC ODI events. Indian captain Rohit Sharma has already surpassed Gayle's record of 331 sixes to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODIs with 338 sixes, only behind by Shahid Afridi, who holds the record with 351 sixes.

After breaking Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 35 centuries, Rohit Sharma now holds the record for the most international hundreds (36) by an Indian player beyond the age of thirty. In international cricket, Rohit Sharma also holds the record for the most fifty-plus scores (121).

With 205 sixes to his name, Rohit Sharma is the most prolific six-hitter in T20 Internationals and the only batter in T20I history to hit more than 200 sixes. He also became the first captain to hit 250 international sixes and broke into the top 10 highest run-getters in ODI history, surpassing Rahul Dravid's record of 10,889 runs.

Players with most sixes in ICC ODI events

• Rohit Sharma -  65
• Chris Gayle - 64
• Glenn Maxwell - 49
• David Miller - 45
• David Warner - 42
• Sourav Ganguly - 42

In the high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai, the Australian players exhaled with relief after removing the Indian captain, and Travis Head's emotional celebration of his wicket conveyed the story. After India lost two wickets during the powerplay, Rohit was removed by rookie left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly in the eighth over of the chase, causing Head to punch the air with joy.

Australia's most valuable wicket was definitely Rohit Sharma, who destroyed them in their match at the T20 World Cup last year. Another pivotal moment in the 2023 ODI World Cup final was his dismissal. On that particular occasion, Rohit was dismissed for 47 off 31 balls after a spectacular catch by Travis Head on November 19, despite having a scorching start.  Rohit tried to set an aggressive tone for India by hitting three boundaries and a six. But he seemed too ready to go for the big shots.

Rohit Sharma was expected to play a longer innings, especially after the early wicket of Shubman Gill. India found themselves under early pressure at 43 for 2 in the powerplay while chasing a target of 265; despite the two reprieves, Rohit was unable to take advantage of his extra opportunities. In the eighth over, he tried to sweep left-arm spinner Connolly but failed to make contact, trapping him in front. Despite the dismissal appearing plumb, Rohit chose to contest the on-field decision, but India lost the review.