When you hear cricket fans discussing six-hitting, the names that are most likely to come up first are players such as Chris Gayle or Rohit Sharma. But in terms of a narrative of consistency, longevity and impact, the 225 sixes hit by Virat Kohli evoke an altogether different story than one powered by brute force. Kohli is not just a power player – he is all about timing, fitness and match acumen. His prowess for clearing the ropes has developed with age and he is now one of the most consistent six-hitters in world cricket, at all levels.
Virat Kohli is a professional Indian cricketer who has been playing international cricket as well as the IPL now for close to two decades. In doing so, he has tailored his game across Tests, ODIs, T20Is and franchise cricket to plunder hundreds of sixes while sustaining elite batting averages. This post gives updated, recent and formatted information for Virat Kohli total sixes with match dates, runs, additional thoughts without sources.
Virat Kohli’s Batting Philosophy and Six-Hitting Style
Virat Kohli does not hit many sixes by slogging. His signature sixes come from:
- Clean bat swing
- Strong bottom hand
- Perfect balance at the crease
- Exceptional wrist control
Against the power hitting instincts, Kohli constructs his inning, and its pace only picks up at the right time. This is what lets him hit sixes and yet remain consistent. With the game getting more aggressive over time, so has Kohli developed – lofted shots, inside-out drives and powerful pulls all became part of his repertoire.
Virat Kohli Total Sixes Across All Formats 2026
| Format | Sixes | Match | Runs | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 30 | 123 | 9230 | 254* |
| ODIs | 164 | 308 | 14557 | 183 |
| T20Is | 124 | 125 | 4188 | 122* |
| FC | 45 | 156 | 11485 | 254* |
| List A | 192 | 344 | 16207 | 183 |
| T20s | 435 | 414 | 13543 | 122* |
| IPL | 291 | 267 | 8661 | 113* |
| Total Sixes | 1281 | |||
Virat Kohli Sixes in Test Cricket
Test cricket is about patience, technique and temperament – and Kohli’s six amount in this format sums it up perfectly.
- Total Test Sixes: 30
- Innings Played: 210
- Runs: 9,230
Kohli’s sixes in Tests tend to arrive:
- Against spinners
- When shifting momentum
- After long hours of defensive action
Instead of clearing the ropes with regular big hits, his Test sixes can dishearten bowlers by disrupting a disciplined line. These were the scenes that demonstrated his capacity to dominate without loose-cannon aggression.
Virat Kohli Sixes in ODI Cricket
ODIs have been Kohli’s best format for most of his career, and his six-hitting figures are an example of how he can balance risk and reward.
- ODI Sixes: 164
- Innings: 296
- Runs: 14,557
Kohli’s ODI sixes come most in handy during:
- Run chases
- Middle-overs acceleration
- Death-over finishing phases
Sixes and 50-plus average in ODIs, very few batmen have been more effective than him in the history of ODIs. A good part of his sixes are classical shots, rather than results of brute power, and that separates him.
Virat Kohli Sixes in T20 Internationals
T20 cricket requires the ability to consistently clear the fence, and Kohli has adjusted beautifully over time.
- T20I Sixes: 124
- Innings: 117
- Rus: 4,188
In T20Is, Kohli is known for:
- Anchoring the innings early
- Exploding in the latter half
- Targeting specific bowlers
His sixes tend towards the last five overs, in clusters that convert competitive totals into match-winning ones. Though not a hitter-bowler of the greatest brute prowess, Kohli’s rate and reliability in that aspect render his sixes highly precious.
Virat Kohli Sixes in IPL
The IPL is where Virat Kohli’s six-hitting legacy truly shines. Playing for a single franchise throughout his career, Kohli has built one of the most impressive six records in league history.
- IPL Sixes: 291
- Matches: 267
- Runs: 8,661
Kohli’s IPL sixes highlight:
- Longevity
- Adaptability to different bowling attacks
- Consistent performance across seasons
He has hit sixes against every major bowling lineup in the IPL and remains one of the top six-hitters in the tournament’s history.
How Virat Kohli’s Six-Hitting Has Evolved Over the Years
In his early days, he was more of a ground hitter who used to rely on his running b/w the wickets. As the game changed, so did his:
- Improved strength and fitness
- Better shot selection
- Increased boundary percentage
By the mid-2010s, Kohli was now also a complete batter – versatile enough to slot seamlessly into gear. His number of sixes increased, particularly in white-ball cricket but without any loss of consistency.
Virat Kohli vs Modern Power Hitters
Some players are pure muscle, and the numbers help confirm that about Kohli:
- Timing can match raw power
- Consistency beats sporadic explosiveness
- Longevity adds massive value
With 600+ career sixes, Kohli is right up there with the greats without needing to be called a “power hitter.”
Why Virat Kohli’s Sixes Matter More Than Numbers
Kohli’s sixes often:
- Come in pressure situations
- Shift match momentum
- Break strong bowling spells
- Inspire teammates and fans
They are not mere numbers – they are match-changing moments.
Conclusion
Although Virat Kohli’s number of overall sixes are a testament to the disciplined evolution that he has undergone over the years. With over 1281 sixes to his name across all formats by 2025, Kohli has showed that smart batting can be as dangerous a weapon as brute force.
From classical Test innings to high-octane IPL finishes, his sixes paint the picture of a batsman who gets the dynamic of cricket like few others. As long as Virat Kohli keeps playing, his six-hitting numbers will be one of the most revered statistics in contemporary cricket.
FAQs – Virat Kohli Total Sixes
1. What is Virat Kohli total six across all formats?
Virat Kohli total six count is 609 sixes across Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and the IPL as of 2026.
2. Which format has Virat Kohli hit the most sixes in?
Virat Kohli has hit the most sixes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 291 Sixes.
3. How many international sixes does Virat Kohli have?
Virat Kohli has hit 318 sixes in international cricket.
4. Is Virat Kohli a power hitter?
Virat Kohli relies more on timing and technique than raw power.
5. Has Virat Kohli improved his six-hitting over time?
Yes, his six-hitting has significantly improved with experience and fitness.
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