T20s completely rejuvenated cricket after their introduction into the sport. The shorter format brings a sense of excitement to the sport. It’s a great sight to see fireworks from the batsmen. Over years, T20 cricket, especially the IPL has seen many great batsmen grace the pitch. Today we will take a look at 5 players to hit the most sixes against pace bowling in the Indian Premier League.
#1. Chris Gayle- 217
Was there ever a doubt about who would top this list? Chris Gayle is an absolute legend of the game and is one of the biggest talents in T20 cricket. Gayle’s huge sixes are the stuff of legends, and he tops this list with 217 sixes against pace bowling.
In his IPL career, Gayle has hit 357 sixes to date. Out of those, most have been off pace bowling. Gayle is someone who loves to enjoy the game while scoring with terrifying ease. He is without a doubt one of the biggest superstars in cricket today.
#2. AB de Villiers- 173
AB de Villiers is one of the greatest South African batsmen of all time. Aptly nicknamed as ‘Mr. 360’, de Villiers is known to be able to hit the ball at any side of the ground. He is an explosive batsman and has hit the second most sixes against Pace bowling in the IPL.
de Villiers is a cornerstone of the RCB and is thus featured regularly in the team. He has scored 5056 runs in the IPL at an average of 40.77. Out of those 5056 runs, 1470 were scored in the form of 245 sixes. Thus he is an invaluable player for the RCB and will continue to be in the future too.
#3. Rohit Sharma- 153
Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the IPL. The Mumbai Indians captain is one of the best batsmen in the world and always brings his A-game. Sharma has hit the third most sixes against pace bowling in the IPL.
Sharma is the 4th highest run-scorer in the IPL and is the most successful captain in the tournament. He has hit 224 sixes in his IPL career, out of which 153 came against pace bowling. Rohit Sharma loves to play the pull shot and is equally adept at scoring in the off-side. So there’s a very little surprise in his inclusion in this list,
#4. MS Dhoni- 141
MS Dhoni has hit the fourth most sixes against pace bowling in the IPL. The legendary captain is the second-most successful captain in the tournament, just behind Rohit Sharma. Dhoni is known widely for his explosive batting and finishing skills. Thus there was a high chance of him making this list.
Dhoni has hit 141 sixes against pacers in the IPL. He recently retired from all forms of international cricket, but still leads the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Before the pandemic stopped the tournament, CSK was dominating and looked set to make it to the playoffs.
#5. Kieron Pollard- 122
Kieron Pollard is Mumbai Indians’ saviour. Pollard is the one to bail MI out of precarious situations and bring the innings to an explosive end. His big-hitting skills have saved Mumbai’s skin many times and is a dangerous batsman on any given day. He can counter yorkers and short balls with equal ease.
Pollard has hit 122 sixes against pacers in the IPL. To date, he has hit 211 sixes in his IPL career, and there is no doubt that he will add to this tally in the coming years too.
