Ranchi, December 1, 2025 - Veteran Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded Rohit Sharma's exceptional fitness and form after the latter's record-breaking performance against South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi on November 30, 2025. Sharma, who recently turned 38, surpassed Shahid Afridi's long-standing record for the most sixes in ODI cricket, reaching a remarkable 352 sixes.
Pathan, speaking to sports analysts, expressed his admiration for Sharma's dedication to the game and his physical conditioning. "As for Rohit Sharma, he seems to be at his peak," Pathan stated. "It doesn't look like he is 38, he has improved his fitness".
Sharma's record-breaking moment arrived during the 15th over when he launched Prenelan Subrayen for two consecutive sixes. The first six took him to 350, and the second leveled him with Afridi. Shortly after reaching his 60th ODI fifty, Sharma sent another delivery soaring over the ropes to claim the world record outright. He was eventually dismissed for a brisk 57 off 51 balls, which included five fours and three sixes.
Opening the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit delivered a commanding performance, stitching together a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli after Jaiswal's early fall. Kohli went on to score a magnificent 135, contributing significantly to India's imposing total of 349. India won the match by 17 runs.
This knock also marked Sharma's third consecutive ODI half-century, following back-to-back 50-plus scores against Australia last month, including a match-winning century. His consistency has strengthened his case for a spot in India's 2027 World Cup plans, as he continues to prove why he remains one of the most destructive openers in world cricket.
Sharma's achievement adds another glittering milestone to his legendary career. With this feat, Sharma joins an elite group of players with more than 300 ODI sixes, including Chris Gayle (331) and Shahid Afridi (351).
KL Rahul, India's captain for the match, also praised the partnership between Sharma and Kohli, "It's always fun to watch them play like that, play with that freedom... put oppositions under pressure, make them look silly at times and just show the world why they are who they are".
Sharma had retired from T20Is and continues to hold the record for the most sixes in that format, with 205 in 151 innings.
Pathan had previously highlighted the importance of Sharma maintaining his form and fitness, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in sight. He noted that Sharma's experience and leadership are invaluable to the team.
