In modern cricket, power-hitting has become more than just a skill—it’s an art form. As the game has evolved, especially with the rise of T20 Internationals and franchise leagues, the ability to clear the ropes consistently has grown in value. Among all batting milestones, the number of sixes in a calendar year is a true testament to a player’s dominance, aggression, and form.
In this article, we look at the record-breakers and chart-toppers who smashed the most sixes in a single year, analyzing how their performances reshaped expectations in the world of cricket.
📈 The Evolution of Six-Hitting
Gone are the days when a batsman hitting 20 sixes in a year made headlines. Today, players are clocking 60, 80, or even 100 sixes in a calendar year, thanks to the condensed scheduling of T20Is, ODIs, and franchise tournaments like the IPL, BBL, and CPL. The fitness levels have improved, the bats are bigger, and the boundary dimensions are often more favorable for aggressive batters.
The six has become a symbol of dominance—and the top players have learned to unleash it with frightening consistency.
🏏 Top Players with Most Sixes in a Calendar Year
1. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 132 Sixes (2021)
Rizwan had a dream year in 2021, particularly in T20Is, where he scored over 1300 runs. His ability to switch gears and target the leg side made him one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket. Rizwan’s six-hitting was calculated rather than reckless, making his record even more impressive.
2. Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 100+ Sixes (2022)
India’s dynamic batter Suryakumar Yadav, known for his unorthodox shot selection and fearless approach, had a breakout year in 2022. He became the heart of India’s T20I middle order, launching sixes across the ground with reverse scoops, flicks, and inside-out drives.
3. Jos Buttler (England) – 80+ Sixes (2022)
Buttler, a natural striker of the ball, dominated both international and franchise cricket in 2022. His explosive starts in the IPL and commanding role in England’s T20 World Cup campaign made him one of the most feared batters that year. His power-hitting, especially down the ground, was unmatched.
4. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 70+ Sixes (2021)
Glenn Maxwell continued his reputation as Australia’s premier T20 finisher. Whether playing for Australia or RCB in the IPL, Maxwell combined brute strength with wristy innovation to pile up sixes, particularly on leg-side deliveries.
5. Rohit Sharma (India) – Consistently Among the Top
India’s Hitman, Rohit Sharma, has regularly been among the players with the most sixes each year across formats. His effortless lofted drives and ability to play both pace and spin make him a six-hitting machine, especially in ODIs.
🔍 Key Reasons Behind the Rise in Sixes
- Rise of T20 Format: T20 cricket demands a fast scoring rate, pushing batters to innovate and hit more sixes.
- Better Equipment: Modern bats have larger sweet spots, making it easier to clear boundaries.
- Shorter Boundaries: In many stadiums, boundary lines are pulled in, encouraging more aerial shots.
- Increased Matches: With bilateral series, ICC events, and league cricket, players get more matches per year, increasing opportunities for six-hitting.
🌍 Franchise Leagues – The Catalyst
Leagues like the IPL, BBL, and PSL have created environments where players are encouraged to express themselves. Batters now practice power-hitting as a specialized skill, working on angles, timing, and boundary awareness.
Players like Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Liam Livingstone may not always top the charts internationally but are six-hitting beasts in domestic leagues, contributing to their overall six count annually.
🏁 Conclusion
The record for most sixes in a calendar year is no longer just a number—it’s a representation of a player’s dominance in a high-octane cricketing era. From Rizwan’s consistency to Suryakumar’s flair, and Buttler’s brute force to Rohit’s elegance, each six-hitter brings a unique style to the crease.
As cricket continues to evolve, we can only expect this record to be broken more frequently. With young talents emerging and veterans adapting, the sky truly is the limit—literally and figuratively—for sixes in world cricket.
