Star India cricketer dismisses Rohit–Afridi comparison after former India skipper breaks ODI sixes record, says…

Star India opener Rohit Sharma smashed his 352nd ODI six in his 269th innings, surpassing Shahid Afridi's record for most sixes in One-Day Internationals.

New Delhi: Star India cricketer Atul Wassan believes comparing Rohit Sharma’s record of smashing most number os sixes in ODIs with star Pakistan’s batter Shahid Afridi is like “comparing apples with oranges.”

Rohit Sharma surpassed Shahid Afridi’s record for the most sixes in ODIs during the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. Rohit now leads with 352 sixes, overtaking Afridi’s 351, having reached the mark in 269 innings, 100 fewer than Afridi’s 369.

Wassan pointed out that comparing Rohit to Afridi is unfair

In an ANI interview, Wassan pointed out that comparing Rohit to Afridi is unfair, emphasizing that Rohit achieved the record as an opener in far fewer innings, highlighting his significant contribution to 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 said Rohit’s opener role drives India’s success

Wassan stressed that Rohit Sharma’s skill in playing big shots while keeping a high strike rate as an opener showcases his success and the crucial role he has played in India’s wins.

“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.

After Rohit and Afridi, Chris Gayle ranks third on the list of most ODI sixes with 331, followed by Sanath Jayasuriya in fourth with 270, and MS Dhoni in fifth with 229.

Rohit Sharma smashed his 60th half-century as India put up 349/8 in the series opener in Ranchi. The home side went on to secure a 17-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.