Courtesy: BCCI
On day three of the India versus New Zealand first Test, Rohit & Co. created a historic record, marking the first instance of its kind in 147 years. Team India became the first team to hit 100 sixes in Tests in a calendar year when Virat Kohli struck Ajaz Patel for a six in the 30th over of their second innings after trailing by 356 runs at the start of it.
During their previous series against Bangladesh, India surpassed England's record of 86 sixes in a calendar year, setting a new record for the most maximums in a calendar year in Test cricket history. India also ranks third on the all-time charts, having hit 87 sixes in 2021. New Zealand rounds out the top five with 81 sixes in 2014 and 71 in the year 2013.
In 2024, India also reached a milestone of 300 sixes across all formats, marking the third consecutive year they have achieved this feat.
Year 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal became the ‘Sixer King’ of India
Yashasvi Jaiswal has had an outstanding year in 2024. He hit 29 sixes in a calendar year in Tests, making him the 'Sixer King' of India for 2024. Shubman Gill is in second place with 16 sixes, while Rohit Sharma ranks third with 11 sixes. Now, Yashasvi is aiming to break the record of former Kiwi batter Brendon McCullum, who achieved the remarkable feat of hitting 33 sixes in a calendar year in 2014.
Rohit Sharma is also focused on the overall record for sixes in Indian Tests. The record for the most sixes for India in Tests is held by Virender Sehwag, who hit 91 sixes. Rohit has currently hit 88 sixes, so if he hits 4 more sixes in the ongoing series against New Zealand, he will surpass Sehwag.
Only three players namely Ben Stokes, McCullum, and Adam Gilchrist have managed to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Most sixes hit by teams in Tests in calendar year
India (2024) - 102* Sixes
England (2022) - 89 Sixes
India (2021) - 87 Sixes
New Zealand (2014) - 81 Sixes
New Zealand (2013) - 71 Sixes
