Cricket records are set and broken often, especially in fast formats like the T20 IPL. One of the rarest achievements in T20 cricket is hitting six fours in six balls in a single over. This feat needs great skill, perfect timing, and accuracy.
In IPL history, only Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane from India have achieved this milestone. T20 cricket is known for big hitters like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell, who have dominated for years. While most batters aim for massive sixes, only a few have managed to hit 6 fours in 6 balls in the IPL.
Who Has Scored 6 Fours in an Over in IPL?
Only two players have ever hit six fours in a row in an over in IPL history. Ajinkya Rahane was the first batter to achieve this rare record by hitting six fours on six consecutive balls in the IPL.
Ajinkya Rahane’s 6 Fours in an Over – IPL 2012 (RR vs RCB)
Ajinkya Rahane became the first player to hit 6 fours in an over in IPL history during the 2012 season. Playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rahane took on Sreenath Aravind in the 14th over and smashed six consecutive fours, creating a record that still stands as one of the rarest achievements in the tournament.
Rahane’s Historic Over vs RCB
The match, played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, was the 18th fixture of IPL 2012. Batting first, RR started strong with Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Dravid, who built a 62-run opening partnership. Later, Owais Shah joined Rahane, adding 121 runs for the second wicket, during which Rahane’s record-breaking over took place.
RCB skipper Daniel Vettori handed the ball to Sreenath Aravind in the 14th over. RR was at 82/1, with a run rate of 6.30. However, things changed quickly as Rahane attacked Aravind, hitting six boundaries in a row.
- First two balls: Straight drives for four.
- Third ball: A fine shot behind the wicketkeeper, AB de Villiers.
- Fourth ball: A powerful pull shot towards mid-wicket.
- Fifth ball: A full toss flicked for another boundary.
- Final ball: A clever shot guided towards third man, completing the six-fours-over.
Rahane’s Match-Winning Knock
Rahane’s unbeaten 103 off 60 balls powered RR to 195 runs in 20 overs. Apart from Aravind, even Chris Gayle was hit for 21 runs in an over, making it a tough night for RCB bowlers. In response, RCB collapsed, getting all-out for 136 runs in 19.5 overs, giving RR a dominant 59-run victory.
Rahane’s Key Stats from the Match
- Runs: 103* off 60 balls
- Fours: 12
- Sixes: 5
- Strike Rate: 171.66
- Man of the Match Award Winner: ✅
Prithvi Shaw’s 6 Fours in an Over – IPL 2021 (DC vs KKR)
Prithvi Shaw became the second player in IPL history to hit six fours in an over, achieving this rare feat in IPL 2021 while playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Opening the innings, Shaw launched an aggressive attack on Shivam Mavi in the very first over, setting the tone for DC’s comfortable chase of 154 runs. He reached his half-century in just 18 balls, leading his team to an easy victory.
Shaw Repeats Rahane’s Historic Feat After 9 Years
For 14 seasons, Rahane’s 6 balls 6 fours record seemed nearly impossible to match. However, in IPL 2021, young Prithvi Shaw stunned everyone by repeating the achievement nine years later against two-time champions KKR.
Batting first, KKR posted 154 runs, with key contributions from Shubman Gill and Andre Russell. With mystery spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, KKR looked strong, but Shaw had different plans. Opening alongside Shikhar Dhawan, he wasted no time attacking from the very first ball.
Shaw’s Record-Breaking Over
KKR captain Eoin Morgan gave the ball to Shivam Mavi, who ended up delivering one of the most expensive opening overs in IPL history.
- First ball: A wide delivery, followed by a straight drive over the bowler’s head for four.
- Second ball: A full-length delivery, flicked towards mid-wicket for another boundary.
- Third & fourth balls: Perfectly timed shots placed to the right of sweeper cover.
- Fifth ball: A short-pitched ball, cut towards backward point for the fifth four.
- Final ball: A length ball outside off, hammered over extra cover to complete the six-fours-over.
Unlike Ajinkya Rahane, who took time to settle before achieving this milestone, Shaw exploded from the first over, making his achievement even more special.
Shaw’s Match-Winning Knock
Delhi Capitals chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, with Shaw finishing on 82 off 41 balls. His aggressive start ensured DC’s dominant victory, as KKR struggled to recover from the early attack.
Key Stats from Prithvi Shaw’s Innings
- Runs: 82 off 41 balls
- Fours: 11
- Sixes: 3
- Strike Rate: 200.00
IPL Players Who Smashed 6 Fours in an Over
| Player | Team | Opposition | Bowler | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajinkya Rahane | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Sreenath Aravind | 2012 |
| Prithvi Shaw | Delhi Capitals | Kolkata Knight Riders | Shivam Mavi | 2021 |
FAQ’s
Who Was the First Player to Hit 6 Fours in an Over in IPL?
Ajinkya Rahane was the first player to achieve this rare milestone in IPL 2012, playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He smashed six consecutive fours in a single over, setting a record that remained unmatched for nearly a decade.
Has Any Player Hit 6 Sixes in an Over in IPL?
No player has hit six sixes in an over in the IPL so far. However, Yuvraj Singh achieved this historic feat in the 2007 T20 World Cup against England. In IPL, big hitters like Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle have come close, managing five sixes in a single over, but no one has cleared the boundary six times in a row.
Conclusion
Hitting 6 fours in an over is a rare IPL feat, achieved only by Ajinkya Rahane (2012) and Prithvi Shaw (2021). Their aggressive batting set records that still stand strong. While no IPL player has hit 6 sixes in an over, stars like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard have come close. These moments define IPL’s thrilling history!
