Rohit Sharma achieves rare feat in ODI cricket, joins AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle in elite list

In the ongoing ODI World Cup, India's captain Rohit Sharma has been in a scintillating form. After five matches, Rohit has amassed a total of 311 runs at an impressive average of 62.20. His consistent performances with the bat have made him the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with only his fellow countryman, Virat Kohli, ahead of him in the run-scoring charts. Rohit's stellar contributions have been instrumental in India's quest for success in the marquee 50-over event.

3 things you need to know

• India defeated New Zealand in Match 21 of ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday
• Both teams were undefeated in the tournament before the game
• India are now the only side that has not lost a single match thus far

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Top run-getters and wicket-takers of this year's marquee 50-over event

Rohit Sharma registers new record

In a match against New Zealand in Dharamsala, Rohit achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday, becoming the first Indian player and the third overall to hit 50 or more ODI sixes in a calendar year. Prior to Rohit, only South Africa's AB de Villiers and West Indies legend Chris Gayle had achieved this feat by striking 50 or more maximums in a single calendar year. Rohit reached this milestone by hitting a six off New Zealand's fast bowler Matt Henry in the second over of India's pursuit of a 274-run target.

List of batters with 50 ODI sixes in a calendar year

1. AB de Villiers - 58 sixes in 2015
2. Chris Gayle - 56 sixes in 2019
3. Rohit Sharma - 53 sixes in 2023

Also Read: 'Greatest chaser of all time': Former England captain calls Virat Kohli undisputed king of chase

While chasing the target of 274, Rohit made a rapid 46 before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson in the 12th over. After the match, Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of staying balanced and focused in the tournament. He praised Mohammed Shami's bowling performance and acknowledged the contributions of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in rescuing the team when they lost a few wickets in the middle. Shami picked up a five-wicket haul, while Kohli smashed 95 off 104 balls. Jadeja, on the other hand, remained unbeaten at 39 to help India chase down the target in 48 overs.