400 and counting: Why India are ahead of the curve in six-hitting
India have smashed 400 sixes in 40 T20Is in 2026, becoming the first team to reach the landmark in a calendar year. From Abhishek Sharma's six-hitting at the top to a fearless approach across the batting order, India are redefining T20 batting. Power-hitting coach Julian Wood explains why India are ahead of the curve.
India have set a new record by hitting 400 sixes in just 40 T20Is in 2022, marking a 38.4% increase from the previous year. Coach Julian Wood attributes this surge to India's unique approach to batting, which emphasizes mastering skills over managing risk. With a pool of talented players willing to hit aggressively, India has become a pioneer in the game, leaving other teams struggling to keep up.
The evolution of batting techniques, flatter pitches, and smaller boundaries have all contributed to this phenomenon, but Wood believes batting skills have evolved the most. As batters increasingly target length balls and leave Yorkers untouched, bowlers face heightened pressure.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
