Which IPL Season Has Most Sixes?

The IPL has always been a franchise with big cricketing feats and new records being set, but in recent years, the six-hitting spectacle has reached new heights. With power-hitters redefining the boundaries of T20 cricket, we’ve been captivated by the sheer volume and distance of sixes being launched.

This article delves into the evolution of six-hitting in the IPL, spotlighting the most prolific seasons, players, and teams that have contributed to it. For analysts, it's a stat worth tracking. And if you're into IPL match predictions, six-hitting ability is often the tiebreaker between a good and great team.

Let’s take a quick dive into the numbers, seasons, and legends behind the most sixes in IPL history, and explore how six-hitting has evolved into an art form.

Most Sixes in IPL History All-Time

Over the years, several players have etched their names into the annals of IPL history with their six-hitting prowess. The longest six in IPL history was hit by Albie Morkel, who hit a 125-meter six for Chennai Super Kings against Deccan Chargers in 2008.

Here's a look at the top six-hitters in the tournament's history that every bowler dreads:

Chris Gayle – 357 Sixes

The "Universe Boss," Chris Gayle stands tall atop the list with a staggering 357 sixes. His brute strength and fearless approach have made him a nightmare for bowlers across seasons. Whether in Bangalore, Punjab, or anywhere else, Gayle's mission was always clear: go big or go home.

Rohit Sharma – 280 Sixes

India's "Hitman," Rohit Sharma, lives up to his name; not only has he been a reliable captain but also a six-hitting machine. Sharma’s combined elegance and sheer power has amassed 280 sixes to Mumbai Indians’ trophy cabinet showcasing his ability to clear boundaries with effortless grace.

Virat Kohli – 272 Sixes

While known for his classical “textbook” batting, Virat Kohli's aggressive intent has seen him accumulate 272 sixes and counting, underlining his adaptability in the shortest format and proving you don’t have to be a power-hitter to be a prolific one.

MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers – Over 250 Sixes

Two legends, two completely different styles, one common trait: sixes for fun. Both MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers have surpassed the 250 mark, with Dhoni's finishing abilities and de Villiers' 360-degree play making them fan favourites.

Top Six-Hitters in IPL History (Season-by-Season)

Now we’ve seen the big hitters throughout the years, let’s take a look at a season-by-season view of the most explosive total six-hitting performances in IPL history.

The most sixes in IPL 2024 goes to Abhishek Sharma with 42, but he doesn't quite take the top spot for all-time hits. Let’s take a closer look at who does:

Player & Rank	Team & Season	Total Sixes
Chris Gayle	RCB (2012)	59
Andre Russell	KKR (2019)	52
Jos Buttler	RR (2022)	45
Abhishek Sharma	SRH (2024)	42
Nicholas Pooran	LSG (2023)	40
Chris Gayle	RCB (2013)	39
Virat Kohli	RCB (2016)	38
AB de Villiers	RCB (2016)	37
Heinrich Klaasen	SRH (2023)	36
Glenn Maxwell	RCB (2021)	36
Shimron Hetmyer	RR (2022)	35
Sunil Narine	KKR (2024)	35
Rishabh Pant	DC (2023)	34
David Warner	DC (2022)	34
Kieron Pollard	MI (2019)	34
MS Dhoni	CSK (2018)	33
Hardik Pandya	MI (2019)	32
Faf du Plessis	RCB (2022)	32
KL Rahul	LSG (2022)	32
Shivam Dube	CSK (2023)	32

Most Sixes in a Single IPL Season

Some players don’t just aim to top scoreboards; they aim to break them. And as we’ll see below, certain seasons have witnessed individual players taking six-hitting to extraordinary levels. Here the most sixes in IPL by a player:

Gayle’s 59 in 2012 – Unmatched

2012 belonged to Chris Gayle's – it was a season that remains unparalleled with the highest sixes in IPL. With 59 sixes, his performances were less about finesse and more about brute strength. He made six-hitting look like a warm-up drill, showcasing his dominance and setting a benchmark yet to be surpassed.

Russell’s 52 in 2019

Andre Russell's 2019 campaign was a masterclass in power-hitting, with 52 sixes propelling KKR to numerous victories.

Buttler, Kohli, and Abhishek Sharma’s Top Seasons

Jos Buttler (45 in 2022), Kohli (38 in 2016), and Abhishek Sharma (42 in 2024) showed that six-hitting isn't limited to traditional sluggers. Timing and positioning matter just as much. Their records highlight the diverse range of players capable of dominating the six-hitting charts.

Which Player Has the Record for the Most Sixes in a Single IPL Season?

Still undefeated is Chris Gayle’s 59 sixes record in the 2012 season. As of IPL 2025, no one has come close to breaking this mountainous record, which serves as a testament to his extraordinary hitting ability. Incidentally, for those wondering the most Sixes in IPL 2025; so far at the time of writing, it’s… you guessed it, RR’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Franchise Records: Most Sixes by Teams

Team strategies and player compositions have led to varying six-hitting records across franchises. Which teams have consistently found the stands over the ropes? Here's how the franchises stack up with the most sixes in IPL by team:

Mumbai Indians – 1,681 Sixes

A team built on firepower, Mumbai Indians lead the pack with 1,681 sixes, reflecting their consistent emphasis on aggressive batting.

RCB and CSK – Close Contenders

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings have also showcased formidable batting line-ups, with RCB amassing 1,649 sixes and CSK closely following.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Explosive 2024

In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad topped the season's six-hitting charts with 178 sixes, driven by players like Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen.

Most Sixes in IPL by a Team: Year-Wise Breakdown

While MI leads all-time, each year tells a different story. A year-wise analysis reveals the evolving strategies and player performances contributing to each team's six-hitting tally.

Longest Six in IPL History: A Moment to Remember

Not all sixes are equal; some become unforgettable. One such moment was in 2008, when Albie Morkel launched the longest six in IPL history. A 125-metre hit for Chennai Super Kings against the Deccan Chargers. This six remains a benchmark for raw power and is still seen as one of the most powerful shots the league has ever seen.

Sixes in Context: Format, Grounds, and Strategy

Sixes don’t just come from muscles; they come from context. Several factors have influenced the surge in six-hitting in the IPL:

Impact of Smaller Grounds and Flat Pitches

Modern stadiums with shorter boundaries and pitches favouring batsmen have made it easier for players to clear the ropes.

T20 Format Encouraging Aggressive Play

The T20 format inherently promotes aggressive batting, with players taking more risks to maximise scoring opportunities.

Role of Uncapped Players in Six-Hitting

Players like Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, and even Sunil Narine have proved that sixes aren't a luxury for big names alone. Uncapped or rebranded role players are vital to a team’s six-hitting arsenal.

And as demonstrated in the IPL 2025, emerging talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi have made a big impact on the game and contributed to the overall increase in sixes.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the IPL has grown into a six-hitting spectacle, driven by innovation, aggression, and audacity. From Gayle’s unstoppable sixes record to the consistency of Rohit and Kohli, each season writes a new chapter in this boundary book.

As strategies evolve and emerging talents get even bolder, expect the sixes to keep raining. When placing your bets on cricket betting sites, keeping an eye on six trends could mean the difference between a win and a near miss. Don’t forget to check our predictions, including our Dream11 tips to stay one step ahead.

Come back to our cricket blog next time for more cricket trends and insights. Happy watching, and may your favourite batter always find the middle of the bat!