ODI cricket has witnessed some amazing power hitters who have transformed the game with their fearless ability to hit sixes. These legendary batters, known as the Top Six Hitters in ODI Cricket, have entertained fans around the world and influenced the modern aggressive batting style.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 10 Six Hitters in ODI CricketÂ
The ODI format has witnessed some of the greatest power hitters in cricket history who have mastered the art of sending the ball over the ropes.Â
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Sixes |
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India | 352 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 351 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 331 |
| 4 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 270 |
| 5 | MS Dhoni | India | 229 |
| 6 | Eoin Morgan | England | 220 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 204 |
| 8 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 200 |
| 9 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 195 |
| 10 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 190 |
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, famously known as The Hitman, has established himself as the greatest six-hitter in ODI history. His effortless timing and powerful pull shots make clearing the boundary look simple.
He holds the record for the most sixes in ODIs, showcasing both power and consistency throughout his career. Rohit’s unbelievable strike rotation and ability to switch gears make him a match-winner in any situation.Â
2. Shahid AfridiÂ
Shahid Afridi, known worldwide as Boom Boom Afridi, was one of the most fearless strikers ODI cricket has ever seen. He changed the lower-middle order role with his aggressive approach, turning matches around in just a few overs.Â
Afridi held the world record for most ODI sixes for over 15 years, a testament to his explosive batting legacy. His strike rate and fearless mindset made him the ultimate entertainer in international cricket.Â
3. Chris GayleÂ
Chris Gayle, the iconic Universe Boss, is one of the most destructive openers in ODI cricket history. With his towering sixes and calm swagger, he punished bowlers with raw power and minimal footwork.Â
Gayle ranks among the top six-hitters in ODIs, known for sending the ball deep into the stands and even outside stadiums. His aggressive batting style set the tone for the West Indies’ dominance in many matches.Â
4. Sanath JayasuriyaÂ
Sanath Jayasuriya was the true powerplay pioneer, changing ODI cricket forever with his fearless attacking style. His explosive batting at the top forced bowlers to panic right from the start.Â
With 270 sixes in his ODI career, Jayasuriya proved that aggression could rewrite strategies and win games. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s rise, especially during their 1996 World Cup victory.Â
5. MS DhoniÂ
MS Dhoni, India’s legendary finisher, showcased a unique blend of power and calmness under pressure. His iconic helicopter shot and strong bottom-hand control allowed him to hit breathtaking sixes even from yorker-length balls.Â
With 229 sixes in ODI cricket, he stands among the greatest power hitters in history. Many of his sixes came in crunch chases, turning tough matches into memorable Indian victories.Â
6. Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan, the mastermind behind England’s white-ball revolution, brought a fearless attitude to ODI batting. His smooth bat swing and sharp decision-making allowed him to attack bowlers with confidence.Â
With 220 sixes in his ODI career, he led by example and encouraged his team to play with aggressive intent. His leadership transformed England into a dominant limited-overs side, ultimately winning the 2019 World Cup.Â
7. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, often called Mr. 360, transformed ODI batting with his unmatched ability to hit sixes in every direction. His creative stroke-making, reverse sweeps, ramps, and flicks made him a nightmare for bowlers. With pure timing and innovation, he could turn any good delivery into a boundary.
He smashed over 200 sixes in ODIs while maintaining a phenomenal strike rate, showing how skill and creativity can trump brute force. ABD had the rare ability to shift gears instantly and finish games in style. Every time he walked in, fans expected magic, and he delivered more often than not.
8. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum, one of New Zealand’s most aggressive openers, brought fearless energy to ODI cricket. His quick starts and relentless six-hitting put immediate pressure on the opposition. With incredible bat speed and confidence, he loved taking on both pace and spin right from the first over.
McCullum’s bold style helped reshape New Zealand’s white-ball identity, inspiring a more attacking mindset across the team. Smashing 200 sixes in his ODI career, he became a global fan-favourite known for thrilling big hits. Whenever he was at the crease, excitement and unpredictability filled the stadium.
9. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the Master Blaster, may be more celebrated for his technical brilliance, but his six-hitting ability was equally impactful. With perfect timing and placement, he often launched stunning big shots that lifted India in crucial moments. His elegant yet powerful stroke play made every six a visual treat for fans.
Across his legendary career, Sachin smashed 195 sixes in ODIs, proving that skill and class can coexist with aggression. He adapted to every era of cricket, mastering both pace and spin with ease. His sixes weren’t just about power; they were about precision, confidence, and pure cricketing genius.
10. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as the Prince of Kolkata, brought a new attitude and flair to ODI batting. His clean, lofted shots over the offside were a trademark, often sailing gracefully into the stands. As an opener, he provided India with aggressive, fearless starts in crucial matches.
With 190 sixes in his ODI career, Ganguly showed that a captain can lead from the front with both class and power. He played a significant role in shaping India’s attacking approach in limited-overs cricket. His sixes symbolised confidence, elegance, and a fearless desire to dominate the game.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of ODI cricket has been largely driven by the fearless power hitters who changed how the game is played. From stylish stroke makers to pure muscle hitters, these players proved that sixes are not just crowd-pleasers but match-winners. Their records continue to inspire the next generation to play boldly and push the boundaries of the sport.

SportsPlay24 is powered by a passionate team of sports lovers who live and breathe the game. From Cricket to the NFL, our experts speak with one unified voice — driven by research, sharp insights, and an unshakeable love for sports. We go beyond headlines to bring you verified facts, intelligent analysis, and bold opinions that keep every fan ahead.




