Find out which cricketers are known for the best helicopter shots in the history of cricket and how MS Dhoni made it famous by using it to handle yorkers effectively.
MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and leader of Chennai Super Kings, is widely regarded as one of the finest players of the helicopter shot. While many batters have used this shot, Dhoni is credited with bringing it into the limelight.
What is a Helicopter Shot?
The helicopter shot, known for its boldness and power, changed the way limited-overs cricket was played. Mahendra Singh Dhoni made it a well-known technique, especially in situations where bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah focused on yorker deliveries, which are tough to score from. To counter these bowlers, Dhoni introduced the helicopter shot, which requires excellent wrist work, timing, and strength.
Executing this shot requires the batter to have superb hand-eye coordination, quick footwork, and a deep understanding of the bowler’s strategy. The bat must be swung with intense force to send the ball soaring.
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MS Dhoni’s Iconic Helicopter Shot
One of Dhoni’s most famous helicopter shots was during the 2011 ODI World Cup final, where he hit a six that helped India win the World Cup after 28 years. This shot, made against Nuwan Kulasekara, has become legendary in cricket history.
How to Counter the Helicopter Shot
Bowlers can defend against the helicopter shot by varying their length and speed. The key to playing this shot well is anticipating the bowler’s moves. A bowler who can be unpredictable is often the best counter to this technique.
Top 3 Helicopter Shots in Cricket History
1. MS Dhoni – India vs Sri Lanka | 2011 ODI World Cup Final
With only four runs needed for India to win the 2011 World Cup, MS Dhoni faced a fuller-length delivery from Nuwan Kulasekara. Dhoni, under no pressure, unleashed a thunderous helicopter shot that sailed over long-on for six, sealing India’s victory and etching his name into cricketing history.
2. Hardik Pandya – MI vs CSK | IPL 2019
In a 2019 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Hardik Pandya played a remarkable helicopter shot against Dwayne Bravo in the last over. Pandya smashed 29 runs off Bravo’s over, including a majestic helicopter shot that sent the ball over cow corner for six.
3. Rashid Khan – Maratha Arabians vs Pakhtoons | Abu Dhabi T10 League 2018
Rashid Khan, known for his spin bowling, showcased his batting prowess during the Abu Dhabi T10 League in 2018. Facing Mohammad Irfan, Rashid effortlessly lifted a yorker into the stands for a six, drawing applause from the crowd and even Virender Sehwag.
Who Taught MS Dhoni the Helicopter Shot?
MS Dhoni credits his friend Santosh Lal for teaching him the helicopter shot, which was originally called the “Thappad shot.” Santosh’s character is portrayed in the movie MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, where he is shown teaching Dhoni this unique technique.
MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot for CSK
MS Dhoni has hit several memorable helicopter shots while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). One standout moment came during a 2015 IPL match against Mumbai Indians at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Lasith Malinga, known for his yorkers, bowled a near-perfect over except for one delivery. Dhoni took advantage of a slight mistake and launched a helicopter shot for a six, adding another iconic moment to his career.
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