Rohit Sharma set a new world record in the Champions Trophy 2025 during India’s semi-final clash against Australia in Dubai. He became the most prolific six-hitter in the history of ICC ODI tournaments, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record of 64 maximums. Sharma smashed his 65th six in ICC tournaments by dispatching Nathan Ellis over the boundary, cementing his legacy as one of the most destructive batters in ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking Feat
Sharma’s journey to the top of the six-hitting charts has been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier, he overtook Gayle’s tally of 331 ODI sixes, becoming the second-highest six-hitter in the format. Only Shahid Afridi stands ahead of him with 351 sixes in ODIs. Given Sharma’s aggressive approach and current form, surpassing Afridi’s record remains a possibility.
India’s Commanding Chase Against Australia
India delivered a clinical performance to chase down Australia’s total of 265, securing a spot in their third consecutive Champions Trophy final. Virat Kohli once again anchored the innings with a composed knock of 84, featuring five boundaries. KL Rahul contributed an unbeaten 42, while Hardik Pandya’s explosive 28, which included three sixes and a four, provided the finishing touches.
Sharma acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating that Australia remained in contention until the final moments. The dismissal of Kohli gave Australia a glimmer of hope, but Rahul and Pandya ensured India crossed the finish line without further hiccups.
Sharma Reflects on the Victory
The Indian captain praised his team’s composure and game awareness during the chase.
“Until the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. At the halfway stage, we felt it was a reasonable score. The nature of the pitch made shot-making challenging, but we were clinical with the bat. Staying calm and composed was key to our chase,” Sharma stated in the post-match presentation.
He credited Kohli’s experience and highlighted Pandya’s crucial sixes off Adam Zampa in the final overs as game-defining moments.
“Credit goes to everyone involved in making this team. Kohli has done this for so many years. When we were batting, we remained calm. Those shots in the end by Hardik were crucial,” Sharma added.
Pitch Conditions and Team Balance
The skipper reflected on the playing conditions, noting that the pitch played better compared to their match against New Zealand.
“The pitch looked better today. It played slightly better than the one against New Zealand. The key is to play good cricket and adapt. We have experienced players who understand how to approach different conditions. Having six bowling options while maintaining batting depth was something I wanted to balance in the team,” Sharma explained.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy in ODI Cricket
Sharma’s aggressive batting style has redefined India’s approach to ODI cricket. His ability to clear boundaries with ease and take on bowlers from the outset makes him one of the most feared batters in world cricket. Breaking Gayle’s record reinforces his reputation as a premier white-ball cricketer.
Throughout his career, Sharma has played pivotal roles in ICC tournaments, including the 2019 World Cup, where he struck five centuries. His knack for rising to the occasion in crucial matches remains one of his standout attributes.
India’s Road to the Final
India’s third consecutive appearance in the Champions Trophy final underscores their dominance in the format. Their blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents has created a balanced squad capable of handling high-pressure situations.
With Kohli leading the batting charts and the bowling unit delivering consistent performances, India looks well-positioned to claim another ICC trophy. Sharma’s captaincy has also played a crucial role in India’s success, ensuring that the team remains focused and adaptable.
Hardik Pandya’s Crucial Cameo
Pandya’s finishing abilities were once again on display in the semi-final. His quick-fire 28 off just a few deliveries turned the match in India’s favor. His aggressive intent and ability to find boundaries in pressure situations make him a key asset to the team.
India’s all-rounders, including Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, provide crucial depth in both batting and bowling. This balance allows Sharma to rotate bowlers efficiently while maintaining firepower in the lower order.
Virat Kohli’s Continued Brilliance
Kohli’s knock of 84 in the semi-final reinforced his reputation as India’s backbone in crucial matches. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed ensures stability in the middle order. As one of the most consistent batters in world cricket, Kohli’s form will be crucial heading into the final.
Final Thoughts
Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking feat in the Champions Trophy 2025 further cements his place among cricketing greats. Becoming the highest six-hitter in ICC ODI tournaments is a testament to his power-hitting prowess and longevity in the game.
India’s victory over Australia highlighted their ability to handle pressure and execute a well-planned chase. With a balanced squad and experienced leaders, they head into the final as strong contenders for the title.
As Sharma continues to break records and lead by example, India’s dominance in ODI cricket remains intact. His achievements inspire the next generation of cricketers and set new benchmarks for the game. With the Champions Trophy final on the horizon, India will look to build on their momentum and add another ICC title to their illustrious history.
