Long innings, defence and patience is the norm in Test cricket, but some Indian batsmen have turned that jargon into terror with their fearless six hitting. Rishabh Pant holds the record of the most sixes in test for India, breaking Virender Sehwag's record of hitting two in a row in November 2025. Pant now has 92 sixes in 83 balls which has surpassed Sehwag's record of 91 sixes in 75 balls.
Here's how India's Test batting has changed. In the past six-hitting in Tests was a rarity and was primarily employed as a surprise attacking weapon. Today, it is used by the likes of Pant as a legitimate tactical weapon to alter the momentum.
Rishabh Pant tops the list
In the Indian team, Rishabh Pant's performance as the No 6 batsman in the country is noteworthy, as he reached the position comparatively quickly compared to most players. He is a wicketkeeper-batter but his effect with the bat has been akin to a specialist match-winner.
Pant's batting style is one of confidence, speed and attacking in difficult situations. He doesn't only pick off loose balls. He frequently finds the way to score by stepping out, sweeping, reverse sweeping and hitting against spin. This daunting style has turned him into one of the most formidable Test batters of India.
This came from his record-breaking performance in India’s Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Pant hit two sixes during his brief two innings and broke Sehwag's record of most Indian sixes in Test cricket.
Virender Sehwag’s Legacy
Prior to Pant, Virender Sehwag had the most Test sixes hit by any Indian. Sehwag had one of the most explosive start sets in history of Cricket. He has revolutionised the way India has played Test top order batting.
It was an easy, but fearless shot for Sehwag. He was a man of the belief of attacking the bowlers from the start and putting pressure on the opposition. His six hitting was not only a diversion, it was a tactic. His quick scoring enabled India to give the opposition more time to be bowled out and made them defend.
Pant broke his record, but Sehwang continues to have a huge effect. He was the first Indian Test batsman to play aggressively without batting out of his comfort zone in the long format.
Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja
Rohit is also one of the best six hitters for India in international cricket. Timing is the key to his six hitting. Rohit has become one of the cleanest batters in the sporting world due to his pull shot, lofted shot and easy pickup shot that he has during the match.
Now, Ravindra Jadeja has also moved up into the list. In the list of six hitters in Tests, Pant, Sehwag and Rohit are ahead of Jadeja, making him the fourth-best batsman for India in the category, Times of India reported.
Jadeja's growth is reflective of the transformation of lower order batting in Test cricket. Lower-level players were previously expected to just "ride the wave" for the most part. Players such as Jadeja can now attack, extend the run and change the game in no time.
The significance of Sixes in test cricket
In Test cricket, a six is more than just a boundary. It can disrupt a bowler's rhythm, changes the pressure and alterations in the field. If a batter can hit 6s in Tests, it is a different kind of advantage to the team.
Pant, for instance, is a good choice. He is such an attacking player, that captains think otherwise. He can convert defense to attack in the bowlers and as a result makes it difficult to get into a line or length. This can be invaluable when it comes to matches.
Cricket Match Analysis
Six-hitting in Tests has become a significant tactical ability from a point of analysis. It's not all about power. It is also based on shot selection, pitch reading, confidence and game awareness.
This is despite the fact that Pant's record shows that modern Test batting is not restricted to traditional defence. Sehwag exhibited the path, Rohit brought elegance, Jadeja some lower order aggression and Pant has brought attacking mindset to another level.
Final Thoughts
Rishabh Pant is the next one to take the lead from Virender Sehwag as the most sixes in Test for India list is theirs. Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni are other India stars in the top six hitters list in the format. This is a testament to the change in Indian Test batting from a conservative run-building game to an aggressive one that can change the game.
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