How Many Sixes Has Virat Kohli Hit? A Detailed Summary of His Six-Hitting Journey

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Introduction

Virat Kohli, one of the modern greats of cricket, is widely admired for his consistency, elegant stroke play, and hunger for runs. Unlike many of his peers who rely on sheer power, Kohli has built his career on timing, precision, and placement. That said, Kohli has also proven himself more than capable of clearing the boundary ropes when needed, especially in T20s and ODIs.

The question that often pops up among fans is – how many sixes has Virat Kohli hit? Let’s take a deep dive into the numbers, formats, venues, key six-hitting moments, and his place among the six-hitting greats of the game.

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1. Kohli’s Career at a Glance (as of April 2025)

• International Debut: August 2008 (ODI vs Sri Lanka)

• Formats Played: Test, ODI, T20I, IPL

• Total International Runs: 26,000+

• Centuries: 80+ across formats

• Batting Style: Right-hand batsman

• Known For: Chase master, cover drives, consistency

Although he’s not known as a six-hitting monster like Chris Gayle or Rohit Sharma, Kohli has quietly built an impressive record of sixes across all formats, especially in pressure situations.

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2. Total Sixes by Format (as of IPL 2025)

✅ Virat Kohli has hit over 550 sixes in professional cricket (international + IPL), as of April 2025.

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3. Sixes in Detail – Format-wise

A. Test Cricket (27 Sixes)

Virat has always approached Test cricket with a technically sound and patient mindset. His sixes in Tests mostly came off spinners or as calculated counterattacks. He rarely takes unnecessary risks, which is why the number remains modest.

Notable Test Sixes:

• A clean six off Nathan Lyon at Adelaide in 2014.

• A lofted drive off Moeen Ali at Lord’s in 2018.

• Hook shot six against Pat Cummins in 2023 WTC Final.

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B. ODI Cricket (151 Sixes)

Kohli has found his sweet spot in ODIs. The fielding restrictions, combined with his ability to time the ball beautifully, have allowed him to score heavily and hit plenty of sixes.

Six-Hitting Characteristics in ODIs:

• Targets 3rd powerplay (overs 41–50) for sixes.

• Loves hitting over mid-on and deep midwicket.

• Picks his bowlers: usually attacks spinners or medium pacers.

Most Sixes in a Single ODI Match:

• 7 sixes vs Australia in Jaipur, 2013 – Kohli scored 100* off just 52 balls.

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C. T20 Internationals (117 Sixes)

Though Kohli doesn’t play the audacious scoop or switch-hits often, he makes up for it with clean lofted shots and quick hand speed.

Signature T20I Sixes:

• Flick over deep square leg – his trademark six shot.

• Dance down the track vs spinners for long-on sixes.

• Lofted drive over extra cover – aesthetic and effective.

Memorable Sixes:

• 2016 T20 World Cup vs Australia – hits a match-defining six off James Faulkner.

• 2022 T20 World Cup vs Pakistan – that sensational straight six off Haris Rauf at the MCG.

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D. Indian Premier League (IPL – 258 Sixes)

Virat Kohli has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of IPL in 2008. His IPL six tally is growing rapidly, especially post-2023 where he started showing more intent in T20s.

Best Six-Hitting Season:

• 2016 IPL – Kohli hit 38 sixes and scored a record-breaking 973 runs.

Most Sixes in an IPL Match:

• 8 sixes vs Gujarat Lions in 2016 (scored 109 off 55 balls).

Favorite IPL Bowlers to Hit Sixes Against:

• Mohit Sharma

• Krunal Pandya

• Jaydev Unadkat

• Rashid Khan (later years)

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4. Virat Kohli’s Six-Hitting Style

Kohli’s sixes aren’t brute-force hits. Instead, they are often:

• Timed to perfection

• Lofted straight drives

• Flicks over midwicket

• Inside-out shots over extra cover

He rarely mishits his sixes – that’s what makes them so elegant and effective.

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5. Sixes by Opponent (International)

Australia and England have suffered the most sixes from Kohli’s bat – which makes sense, considering the number of high-pressure games against them.

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6. Stadiums Where Kohli Has Hit Most Sixes

Bengaluru’s short boundaries and flat pitches have helped Kohli pile up sixes, especially in the IPL. Internationally, he’s loved batting in Australia – especially Adelaide and Melbourne.

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7. Kohli vs Six-Hitters: A Comparison

While Kohli isn’t on top of the six-hitters list, he is the most consistent run-scorer among them, with better averages across formats. He focuses on longevity and anchoring innings – which makes his sixes even more special.

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8. Key Sixes in Kohli’s Career – Moments to Remember

✅ 2012 Asia Cup vs Pakistan

Score: 183 (ODI)
Sixes: 1
A classic chase where Kohli showed off his mastery over the Pakistani attack.

✅ 2016 T20 WC vs Australia

Score: 82* (T20I)
Sixes: 2
Under pressure, Kohli hit two match-turning sixes – still remembered as one of his best innings.

✅ 2022 T20 WC vs Pakistan

Score: 82* (T20I)
Sixes: 4
The six off Haris Rauf is etched into every fan’s memory. Perhaps the most iconic six of his career.

✅ 2016 IPL vs GL

Score: 109 (IPL)
Sixes: 8
On a rain-hit day, Kohli destroyed Gujarat’s bowling, bringing out his aggressive best.

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9. Fitness + Power = Six Evolution

Kohli’s six-hitting ability has improved over time due to:

• Rigorous fitness regime

• Improved strength and core power

• Better bat speed

• Shot selection and game awareness

Especially in the last 4–5 years, Kohli has become more willing to take risks and go for big shots, even early in the innings.

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10. Kohli’s Legacy with the Six

While Kohli’s six tally might not top charts, the quality, timing, and impact of his sixes often outshine the quantity. His sixes aren’t about brute force—they are moments of precision, poetry in motion.

They reflect his:

• Game awareness

• Confidence under pressure

• Classy technique

• Supreme fitness and mental toughness

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Conclusion: The Sixes of a King

As of April 2025, Virat Kohli has hit over 550 sixes across international cricket and IPL. Each six tells a story — of elegance, timing, and the never-say-die attitude that defines his career.

He may not be the biggest six-hitter in the game, but no one combines grace and power the way Kohli does. His sixes come when it matters most – in pressure chases, world tournaments, and fierce rivalries.

And he’s not done yet. With the T20 World Cup 2025 approaching, and another IPL season still underway, you can be sure of one thing:

👉 Virat Kohli will keep sending the ball over the ropes – in style.