Learn Cricket Video: Mahendra Singh Dhoni made this shot popular. The helicopter shot has become synonymous with Dhoni. Dhoni is known as the best finisher in the world. He has been seen using this shot at crucial moments in the match.
Learn Cricket Video
Learn Cricket: A very popular helicopter shot is an unconventional cricket shot. The advent of T20 cricket has added to the novelty of the game. Whether it’s a ramp shot or a switch hit, these non-classic shots are a joy to watch when hit well. As fun as this shot looks, it’s hard to hit.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni made this shot popular. The helicopter shot has become synonymous with Dhoni. Dhoni is known as the best finisher in the world. He has been seen using this shot at crucial moments in the match.
How is this shot played?
Playing this stroke requires a player to focus on three key aspects – timing, speed and power. This shot usually requires a high backlift. To prepare for the bat-swing the batsman moves his back-foot slightly towards the stumps and opens his front foot.
The bat needs to come down in time as the ball is often towards the stumps. So timing and pace are important in selecting the delivery and preparing the bat. A helicopter shot is an aggressive shot, the bat usually has to come down with enough force to send a quick delivery over the boundary rope and beyond.
After hitting the ball, the bat rotates in a circular motion in the follow-through. While this follow-through is almost always seen in Dhoni’s case, it varies for other cricketers depending on their style.
When is it used?
A helicopter shot is played in response to a fuller or yorker-length delivery from a fast or slow bowler. It is especially played in the death overs, when looking for big runs. The ball is hit towards the leg side with the intention of hitting a four or a six.
The Indian wicketkeeper has one of the strongest bottom hands in the game. This gives him the ability to understand the bowlers so that he can play this shot when needed. This stroke has recently been used by players like Virat Kohli, Ben Cutting and Mohammad Shehzad. The helicopter shot is one of the most difficult shots to play in the game. When played well there is no doubt about the end result for the player.