For years, the title of "Hitman" has belonged solely to Rohit Sharma — earned through massive innings and monstrous six-hitting ability. But now a new contender has entered the frame. Abhishek Sharma, known for his explosive batting, has carved out a historic achievement that puts him in elite company. He has become the first Indian batsman to smash more than 100 sixes in a single calendar year in T20 cricket.

India’s new six-hitting machine
Abhishek first grabbed attention with his attacking performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. His ability to clear the ropes consistently earned him a place in Team India, and ever since, the young left-hander has produced one blistering performance after another. From India to South Africa, the UAE, and Australia, Abhishek has delivered record-breaking knocks wherever he’s played.

First Indian to hit 100 T20 sixes in a year
After milestones like a storming T20I century and the fastest 1,000 T20 international runs, Abhishek added another record to his name in 2025. While opening for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on December 6, he smashed three more sixes against Services. With this, he reached 101 sixes in just 36 T20 innings this year—making him the first Indian ever to cross the 100-sixes mark in a calendar year.

Interestingly, the record was previously his own. In 2024, Abhishek had struck 87 sixes in T20s—the most by any Indian in a single year. Third on the list is Suryakumar Yadav with 85 sixes in 2022.

Global comparison
When compared globally, the benchmark is still held by West Indies powerhouse Nicholas Pooran, who smashed a staggering 170 sixes in 2024. Chris Gayle, another legendary hitter, crossed the 100-sixes mark in a year on six separate occasions.

Breaking down Abhishek’s six-hitting spree
Abhishek’s 101 sixes in 2025 came across international cricket, the IPL, and domestic T20s:

• 47 sixes in T20 Internationals (in just 17 innings)
• 28 sixes in IPL 2025 (14 innings)
• 26 sixes in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (in only 6 innings)

The Punjab captain showcased remarkable consistency throughout the year, hitting sixes at will and breaking new barriers for Indian batsmen in the T20 format.