The allure of a six hit by Virat Kohli clearing the boundary is undeniably one of the thrilling sights in cricket. Power hitters surrounding him have a different stature, yet when the Indian skipper decides to go beyond, it is done elegantly and with assertiveness. His recent glorious innings of 135 runs against South Africa in Ranchi included a series of sixes that facilitated him to get back to his old self.
In the following line, the times when Virat Kohli hit the most sixes in an ODI innings are being revisited.
Most sixes in an ODI innings
| Sixes | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | England | Pune | 2017 |
| 5 | South Africa | Chennai | 2015 |
| 7 | South Africa | Ranchi | 2025 |
| 7 | Australia | Jaipur | 2013 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | 2023 |
1. 8 sixes vs Sri Lanka, Thiruvananthapuram, 2023
Kohli was impossible to control during the third ODI match at the outset of 2023 between India and Sri Lanka. From the first ball, he radiated confidence and played with the utmost ease.
He augmented his superb hundred to a 166* off 110 balls innings which had 13 fours and 8 sixes at a strike rate of 150.90. Eight sixes in one innings are a lot in ODI cricket and Virat Kohli made it seem like a walk in the park.
Moreover, the audience present in Thiruvananthapuram was fortunate to see something remarkable as India scored 390 runs and won the match by a massive margin of 317 runs.
2. 7 sixes vs Australia, Jaipur, 2013
This was one of Kohli’s most legendary ODIs chases. Against a strong Australian side, India had to pursue a gigantic target of 360 runs. The situation was highly stressed, yet, Virat Kohli entered the arena with a clear plan of attack.
What followed next was a massacre of the superpower bowlers. He was not just fearless but also very aggressive especially during the middle overs. His batting produced seven sixes, most of them representing the classic techniques of down-the-ground and over the mid-wicket.
The audience experienced one of the fastest and most remarkable centuries on Indian territory, as well as the power and fury of Virat Kohli to the world.
3. 7 sixes vs South Africa, Ranchi, 2025
Virat Kohli, 37, in his first ODI inning of the series against South Africa in Ranchi, found his old self back once again. He was batting at number three and shared a century partnership with Rohit Sharma then he finished his 52nd ODI ton.
Kohli in his 135 off 120 balls innings smashed seven sixes and 11 fours with a strike rate of 112.50. This particular inning had its own significance because it was the time when most of the people doubted whether he could still be the aggressive fire player.
To be precise, with his bat, Kohli sent the right message that he is still one of the best among the field.
4. 5 sixes vs South Africa, Chennai, 2015
Virat Kohli in Chennai, in a low-profile way combined his aggression with calmness to make a great output of 138 runs in 140 balls. He went along with a risky South African bowling attack but chose very cleverly the balls to hit. The five sixes that he had hit were not only perfectly timed but also signified his genius to switch gears when required.
Kohli did not go for every big shot, but when the moment came, he grabbed it quickly. He showed a very strong power-hitting gesture. Kohli got the Man of the Match award as India won the match by 35 runs.
5. 5 sixes vs England, Pune, 2017
In the very first ODI against England in 2017, Virat Kohli showed off his power of six hitting in his 122 runs off 105 balls inning. He was in an aggressive mood hitting five sixes and eight fours with a strike rate of 116.19.
The bowlers attempted to keep the ball far from his bat, but his footwork and placement were just too good. That innings contributed to India’s big score of 350 runs, but unfortunately, they lost the match by 3 wickets.
