The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a spectacular platform for some of the most explosive batsmen in world cricket. One of the most thrilling aspects of IPL cricket is the barrage of sixes that light up the stadiums and captivate the fans worldwide. Hitting sixes is not just about scoring runs, it is about power, skill, and timing. Over the years, many players have left a lasting mark by smashing the most sixes in IPL history. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 six-hitters in IPL history.
Most Sixes in IPL History
| Player | Team(s) | 4s | 6s | Runs | Mat | HS | 100s | 50s | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | PBKS | 405 | 357 | 4965 | 142 | 175* | 6 | 31 | 39.72 | 148.96 |
| Rohit Sharma | MI | 640 | 302 | 7046 | 272 | 109* | 2 | 47 | 29.73 | 132.10 |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 768 | 291 | 8618 | 266 | 113 | 8 | 63 | 39.53 | 132.91 |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 375 | 264 | 5439 | 278 | 84* | 0 | 24 | 38.30 | 137.45 |
| AB de Villiers | RCB | 413 | 251 | 5162 | 184 | 133* | 3 | 40 | 39.70 | 151.68 |
| David Warner | DC | 663 | 236 | 6565 | 184 | 126 | 4 | 61 | 40.52 | 139.77 |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 186 | 223 | 2651 | 140 | 88* | 0 | 12 | 28.20 | 174.18 |
| Kieron Pollard | MI | 218 | 223 | 3412 | 189 | 87* | 0 | 16 | 28.67 | 147.32 |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 379 | 219 | 4704 | 177 | 119 | 3 | 26 | 30.95 | 139.05 |
| KL Rahul | DC | 452 | 208 | 5222 | 145 | 132* | 5 | 40 | 46.21 | 136.03 |
1. Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss of Sixes
Chris Gayle leads the charts with a staggering total of 357 sixes in his IPL career. Known for his explosive batting and fearless approach, Gayle has been a nightmare for bowlers with his ability to clear the boundary with ease. Representing teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Punjab Kings, he has left an indelible mark on the league. His innings of 175 not out against Pune Warriors India in the 2013 IPL, where he hit 17 sixes, remains the highest individual score in T20 cricket. Gayle’s record for the most sixes highlights his dominance in the league over the years.
2. Rohit Sharma: The Elegant Six Machine
Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians stalwart and former captain, has hit 302 sixes in his IPL career. Rohit’s six-hitting is blended with elegance and masterful stroke play, making him one of the most respected batsmen. His ability to accelerate the innings at crucial moments has been fundamental to Mumbai Indians success in the IPL. Sharma’s tally of sixes showcases his sustained power-hitting and class over many IPL seasons.
3. Virat Kohli: The Consistent Aggressor
Virat Kohli, synonymous with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has amassed 291 sixes in the IPL. Known for his classical yet aggressive batting approach, Kohli is not just a six-hitter but also an anchor for his team. The 2016 season of IPL was a memorable one for Kohli, as he scored a record 973 runs while unleashing multiple sixes with precision. His commitment and consistency make him a top contender in the six-hitters list.
4. MS Dhoni: The Finisher’s Power
The iconic CSK captain MS Dhoni has scored 264 sixes in the IPL. Dhoni’s calm and composed manner under pressure, combined with his lethal finishing skills, often sees him clearing the ropes in crucial situations. His tactical acumen and timely six-hitting prowess have played a crucial role in Chennai Super Kings’ multiple IPL title wins. Dhoni’s sixes are a testament to his ability to finish games in style.
5. AB de Villiers: Mr. 360’s Power Show
AB de Villiers, the South African maestro known as Mr. 360 for his versatile shot-making, has hit 251 sixes in the IPL. Representing Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) and Royal Challengers Bangalore, de Villiers has dazzled fans with innovative and powerful batting. His ability to hit sixes at any length or angle has provided thrilling moments for cricket lovers.
6. David Warner (Delhi Capitals)
David Warner has been a key IPL player for Delhi Capitals and previously Sunrisers Hyderabad, with 236 sixes in 184 matches. Warner’s aggressive opening batting has yielded 6565 runs at an average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 139.77, including four centuries and 61 fifties.
7. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Andre Russell is one of the most explosive all-rounders in IPL history. With 223 sixes from just 140 matches, his strike rate of 174.18 is among the highest. Russell has scored 2651 runs with an average of 28.20, playing crucial roles in finishing games for KKR.
8. Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
Kieron Pollard, known for his powerful hitting, has smashed 223 sixes in 189 IPL matches with a strike rate of 147.32, scoring 3412 runs. Pollard’s ability to hit sixes in crucial moments has earned him a permanent spot in Mumbai Indians’ team history.
9. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Sanju Samson, a key batsman for Rajasthan Royals, has hit 219 sixes in 177 matches. He has accumulated 4704 runs with an average of 30.95 and a healthy strike rate of 139.05. Samson’s aggressive batting in the middle order often energizes his team.
10. KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals)
KL Rahul, a reliable opener and former LSG skipper, has hit 208 sixes in 145 matches, scoring 5222 runs at an average of 46.21 with a strike rate of 136.03. Rahul’s blend of elegance and power has made him one of the premier six-hitting batsmen in IPL.
The IPL has witnessed some phenomenal six-hitters who have engraved their names in T20 cricket history with their power-hitting skills. Chris Gayle stands tall as the leader, followed by legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers. The evolution of six-hitters continues with the rise of players like Nicholas Pooran, setting exciting prospects for IPL seasons to come.
