In the glorious annals of Indian cricket, few feats stand out as boldly as Ravi Shastri’s iconic achievement in 1985 — becoming the first Indian cricketer to smash six sixes in a single over in a recognized first-class match. This explosive display of power and precision etched his name in cricketing history and paved the way for future generations of aggressive Indian batsmen.
Hitting six sixes in an over is a rare and impressive feat in cricket, achieved by only a select few players. It means a batsman has hit six consecutive boundaries, each worth six runs, in the course of a single over bowled by a bowler.
The Historic Moment
The setting was the Ranji Trophy match between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Baroda, held in January 1985. Ravi Shastri, a dynamic all-rounder known for his versatility and composure under pressure, was in sensational form. Facing left-arm spinner Tilak Raj, Shastri unleashed a brutal assault that left spectators and opponents stunned. He dispatched all six deliveries of the over into the stands, completing a rare and celebrated cricketing feat.
Match Highlights
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Opponent: Baroda
- Bowler: Tilak Raj (Left-arm spinner)
- Achievement: 6 consecutive sixes in a single over
- Result: Bombay won the match comfortably
- Personal Milestone: Shastri went on to score the fastest double century in first-class cricket at the time — in just 113 minutes.
Legacy and Impact
Ravi Shastri became only the second cricketer in the world to achieve this milestone in a first-class match, following the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, who had done it in 1968. Shastri’s achievement inspired a new era of bold and fearless cricket in India, encouraging young cricketers to play with confidence and flair.
Later in his career, Shastri would continue to contribute significantly to Indian cricket, both on and off the field. He served as the head coach of the Indian national team and remains a prominent voice in the cricketing world as a commentator and analyst.
The Bigger Picture
Hitting six sixes in an over is a rare and extraordinary feat in any format of the game. While a few others have joined this elite club since — including Yuvraj Singh in T20Is and Kieron Pollard in ODIs — Ravi Shastri’s achievement remains special as it came at a time when such aggressive batting was far less common.
Pollard became the first player to hit six sixes in an international over since Singh in 2007. Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies) was the first cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.
Indian Cricketers Who Have Hit Six Sixes in an Over
1. Ravi Shastri
- Format: First-Class (Ranji Trophy)
- Date: January 1985
- Team: Bombay vs Baroda
- Bowler: Tilak Raj
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Note: First Indian to achieve this feat in a recognized match.
2. Yuvraj Singh
- Format: T20 International
- Date: September 19, 2007
- Opponent: England
- Bowler: Stuart Broad
- Event: ICC T20 World Cup 2007
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Note: Fastest fifty in T20I history (12 balls) during this innings.
Yuvraj Singh became the second batter, after Herschelle Gibbs, to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket. The occasion was the World T20 encounter against England, the venue Kingsmead, Durban, and the bowler under the withering onslaught was Stuart Broad.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Format: List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
- Date: November 28, 2022
- Team: Maharashtra vs Uttar Pradesh
- Bowler: Shiva Singh
- Venue: Ahmedabad
- Note: Hit 7 sixes in one over (including one no-ball) – only Indian to do so in List A cricket.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri’s six sixes in an over were more than just a moment of brilliance — they were a defining chapter in Indian cricket’s evolution. It signified the emergence of a bold new cricketing identity and remains a timeless reminder of what determination and skill can achieve.
