During his 84-ball 131 against Afghanistan on
Wednesday, Rohit Sharma shattered a number of records, including Chris Gayle’s
record for the most sixes in international cricket.
The Indian captain had 551 sixes at the start of his
innings, two fewer than Gayle. Just 31 balls into his innings, he broke the
record with his distinctive front-foot pull off Naveen-ul-Haq. After India’s
eight-wicket victory, Rohit told bcci.tv that Gayle had served as an
inspiration for him as he developed his six-hitting technique.
“Universe Boss is Universe Boss,” he said.
“I have taken a leaf out of his book. Over the years, we have seen him,
such a six-hitting machine he is wherever he plays.
“We both wear the same jersey – No. 45. I am sure
he is happy about it because jersey No. 45 has done it [broken his
record].”
Gayle, who has 553 sixes in 483 international
appearances, needed 30 less games than Rohit’s 453 to break the record. To be
at the top of the list for sixes, Rohit claimed, startled him just as much as
everyone else.
“When I started playing this game, I never
thought I would be able to hit sixes like that, let alone that many sixes.
Obviously, a lot of work has gone into it over the years. So I am quite happy
with the work I have.
“I am the sort of person who will not be
satisfied. I want to continue to do what I have been doing. My focus is on
that. Yeah, it is a small happy moment for me.”