Cricket has evolved over the years and so is batting. Only Test cricket existed before the 70’s when batters were required to show reliance and stay at the crease for long. However, the introduction of limited-overs cricket enhanced the significance of the run rate. With a certain limit in the number of deliveries, batters started focusing on scoring runs at a brisk pace alongside keeping their wickets safe.
The need to run fast also motivated hitters to play big shots and hit sixes in international cricket. Hitting the ball on the strings is definitely not bread and butter, because hitting the ball with a six takes strength and timing. In the old days, players didn't really insist on taking the regional path. However, modern cricket is fast approaching and the sixth play is becoming mainstream.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that the introduction of the T20 format made six hits popular. However, there were players who did not mind sending the ball over the ropes even in the longest form. In particular, the red ball speaks more than the white ball. However, in the midst of any challenge, a certain breed of hitter would support his impressive hitting skills. As of now, former New Zealand captain Brendon McCollum (107) and former Australian goalkeeper Adam Gilchrist (100) are the only two players to hit the 100 Six in Test format.
Most sixes in Test matches:
| Name | Team | Sixes | Matches | Runs |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 107 | 101 | 6453 |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 100 | 96 | 5570 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 98 | 103 | 7214 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 97 | 166 | 13289 |
| Virender Sehwag | India | 91 | 104 | 8586 |
Big hits and smashing sixes have definitely become an important aspect of batting in today's cricket. However, one must not forget that the international bowlers' confrontation with the cleaners requires batting. Therefore, taking six races out of one go requires some skill and skill. However, current players like Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Ben Stokes have tasted success in all forms with their aggressive approach.
Most sixes in international cricket:
| Name | Team | Sixes | Matches | Runs |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 550 | 478 | 19548 |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 476 | 524 | 11196 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 438 | 379 | 14900 |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 398 | 432 | 14676 |
| MS Dhoni | India | 359 | 538 | 17266 |
Speaking of the most sixes in international cricket, universe chief Chris Gayle tops the list with 550 six across all three formats. Notably, this West Indies player is still an active cricketer and has all the potential to increase his numbers. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi (476) and Indian opener Rohit Sharma (436) are the only other two players to hit the 400+ sixes in international cricket.
Also, Read - Who are The Best Cricketers in the World | Pitch High
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