IPL: Rohit Sharma surpasses AB de Villiers' tally, becomes second leading six-hitter in competition's history

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is not enjoying a productive season with the bat in IPL 2023. Still, the classy opener scaled a commendable milestone during his side's clash against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede on Friday, May 12. The Indian skipper registered his 252nd six in the tournament during his brisk cameo, the second most in IPL history.

The five-time champions were quick off the blocks in the first innings against Gujarat Titans, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan's whirlwind opening stand in the powerplay. The Mumbai skipper smashed 29 runs in just 18 deliveries, dispatching two maximums and three boundaries during his stay at the crease.

His second six of the match, his 252nd in the tournament, saw him overtake former South African cricketer AB de Villiers' tally of 251 sixes to become the second-leading six-hitter in the competition's history. He also breached the mark of 200 sixes for Mumbai Indians during his innings at the Wankhede. 

He has reached the landmark in 239 matches, with only former West Indian batting icon Chris Gayle ahead of him in the six-hitting charts with a mind-boggling 357 maximums to his name in just 142 games. Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is fourth on the list with 239 sixes, while Rohit's compatriot Virat Kohli is fifth with 229 maximums to his name.

The 36-year-old has been struggling for runs in the ongoing 16th edition of the tournament and his 29-run innings against GT was his first double-digit score in the previous six outings. He has managed just 220 runs in his 12 matches in this year's competition at an abysmal average of 18.33 with a solitary half-century under his belt.