Former India cricketer Atul Wassan remarked that comparing Rohit Sharma’s record of most sixes in ODIs to that of former Pakistan batter Shahid Afridi is akin to “comparing apples with oranges.”
During the first India vs South Africa ODI in Ranchi on Sunday, Rohit Sharma, alongside Virat Kohli, broke Afridi’s record for the most sixes by a batter in One-Day Internationals. Rohit now holds the record with 352 sixes, surpassing Afridi’s 351, having achieved this milestone in 269 innings – 100 fewer than Afridi’s 369 innings.
In an interview with ANI, Wassan highlighted that drawing comparisons between Rohit and Afridi is unjust, noting that Rohit accomplished the record as an opener in significantly fewer innings, underscoring his profound impact
on the Indian team.
“I think if we compare it with Shahid Afridi’s record, it’s like comparing apples with oranges. As an opener, Rohit’s achievement is substantial because Afridi’s role was to come later, finish, and slog. Rohit, as an opener, creating such a significant record in 100 fewer innings, demonstrates the impact he has had on the Indian team,” Wassan explained.
Wassan emphasized that Rohit Sharma’s ability to hit big shots and maintain a strong strike rate as an opener reflects his success and the positive influence he has had on India’s victories.
“You can judge that with this single metric. If your opener plays so many big shots, it significantly contributes to winning games. His ability to maintain a high strike rate as an opener showcases why he has been successful and why India has flourished when he has opened for the team,” Wassan added.
Following Rohit and Afridi, Chris Gayle ranks third on the list of most ODI sixes with 331, Sanath Jayasuriya is fourth with 270, and MS Dhoni is fifth with 229 sixes.
Rohit scored a half-century as India posted 349/8 in the series opener held in Ranchi. The hosts went on to win the contest by 17 runs to take 1-0 lead.
The second match will be played in Raipur on Wednesday.
With ANI Inputs
