Top 5 batsmen with the most sixes in ODIs in this decade

We bid adieu to the current decade in a few days after witnessing numerous captivating cricket contests during this decade. The popularity of T20 cricket increased exponentially around the globe which in turn led to an increase in run-rates in all formats of the game.

Since the start of the decade, ICC made conscious efforts to keep the ODI format relevant in this T20 era. The powerplay rules from the 2000s were altered and ICC introduced a new rule with 3 powerplays in ODI cricket. These changes were made to bring equity between the batting and bowling aspects of the sport. But the pitches have become more or less batting-friendly in ODIs and additionally, the use of two new balls has restricted the pace bowlers from generating reverse swing.

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The batsmen have taken advantage of all these rules and have played an attacking brand of cricket to entertain fans all over the world. Some of the batsmen in this list have redefined the art of six-hitting and sent the ball effortlessly into the stands. All the cricketers in the top 5 belong to different nations and one of them has retired from the sport. Let's take a look at the members of the top ten of this list:

#10 Aaron Finch(AUS) - 112 (119 matches)

#9 Kieron Pollard(WI) - 112 sixes (92 matches)

#8 Virat Kohli(IND) - 115 sixes (227 matches)

#7 MS Dhoni(IND) - 119 sixes (196 matches)

#6 Jos Buttler(EN) - 125 (142 matches)

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#5 Martin Guptill(NZ) - 153 sixes

Martin Guptil during the T20 series against England earlier this year

The dashing opening batsmen, Martin Guptil has been a consistent performer for the New Zealand team in ODI's since making his debut. He formed a destructive alliance with Brendon McCullum during the first half of this decade and put on many match-defining opening partnerships.

He along with Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor form the core of today's Kiwis batting lineup. During this decade, he has played 157 matches and amassed 5888 runs at an average of 42.35 including 15 centuries and 29 half-centuries. He has hit 153 sixes and holds the fifth position on this list.

#4 AB de Villiers(SA) - 155 sixes

AB de Villiers

Arguably the most destructive batsman of his era, AB de Villiers enthralled his fans all around the world through his majestic stroke-making. His ability to hit the ball to any part of the ground makes him stand apart from his peers.

During this decade, he has played 135 matches and amassed 6485 runs at an average of 64.20 including 21 centuries and 33 half-centuries. He scored his runs at an astonishing strike rate of 109.76. He has hit 155 sixes and occupies the fourth position on this list.

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#3 Chris Gayle(WI) - 180 sixes

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is usually known for his penchant to hit monstrous sixes in any format of the game. Gayle showcased his six-hitting prowess and took West Indies to a winning position on numerous occasions in ODI cricket. He was not a permanent fixture in the West Indies team during this decade due to his recurring fitness issues but he tried to give his best whenever he got an opportunity to play international cricket.

During this decade, he has played 96 matches and amassed 3051 runs at an average of 33.52 including 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries. He has hit 180 sixes and occupies the third position on this list.

#2 Eoin Morgan(ENG) - 183 sixes

Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan is the captain of the new age English team which has been dominating ODI cricket in the last few years. He instilled the attacking nature in his team and has been leading the team excellently by putting on consistent individual performances. Once set, Morgan is known to attack the opposition bowlers mercilessly with a wide range of strokes. He has an uncanny ability to hit sixes using conventional as well as unconventional shots.

During this decade, he has played 195 matches and amassed 6241 runs at an average of 40.52 including 12 centuries and 38 half-centuries. He has hit 183 sixes and occupies the second position on this list.

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#1 Rohit Sharma - 233 sixes

Rohit Sharma

Indian ODI team vice-captain, Rohit Sharma has been the most consistent six-hitter in international cricket during this decade. He entertained his fans around the world by sending the ball over the ropes regularly. Unlike many in this list, Rohit scored most of his sixes through pure timing rather than the brute display of power.

During this decade, he has played 180 matches and amassed 8249 runs at an average of 53.56 including 28 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He has hit 233 sixes and occupies the pole position on this elite list.