Former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings legend, MS Dhoni, has played some of the most iconic helicopter shots in cricket. While Dhoni is credited for popularizing this unique shot, many other cricketers have used it over the years.
What is a Helicopter Shot?
The helicopter shot is a powerful, audacious stroke that transformed the modern era of limited-overs cricket. It gained widespread attention thanks to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who utilized it to counter yorker deliveries, particularly from skilled bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.
To successfully execute a helicopter shot, a batsman requires exceptional hand-eye coordination, quick footwork, and a keen understanding of the bowler’s strategy. The batter must generate immense force with the bat to send the ball flying, often turning a yorker into a boundary shot.
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MS Dhoni’s Famous Helicopter Shot in 2011 World Cup Final
MS Dhoni’s most iconic helicopter shot came during the 2011 ICC World Cup final against Sri Lanka, sealing India’s victory after 28 years. With just four runs needed, Dhoni faced Nuwan Kulasekara’s fuller-length delivery, sending the ball flying for a six with his signature helicopter shot, securing India’s historic triumph as the crowd erupted at Wankhede Stadium.
Top 3 Helicopter Shots in Cricket History
It’s crucial to understand that the helicopter shot can be executed in various areas of the field, with its defining feature being the scooping of a full-length delivery, typically targeting the stumps. With that in mind, here are three remarkable examples where batsmen used a combination of strength, technique, and foresight to launch fuller deliveries into the stands.
1. MS Dhoni – India vs Sri Lanka | 2011 ODI World Cup Final
With the World Cup on the line, Dhoni used the helicopter shot to smash Nuwan Kulasekara’s ball for a six. As India needed just four more runs to win, Dhoni’s powerful swing ensured a moment that would be forever etched in cricket history, as India lifted the trophy.
2. Hardik Pandya – MI vs CSK | IPL 2019
In a high-stakes IPL 2019 match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Hardik Pandya played an unforgettable helicopter shot against Dwayne Bravo. Batting first, Mumbai had managed only 141 runs by the 19th over, but Pandya took charge in the final over. On the fourth ball, he dug out Bravo’s yorker with a powerful helicopter shot over cow corner, stunning even the CSK fans.
3. Rashid Khan – Maratha Arabians vs Pakhtoons | Abu Dhabi T10 League 2018
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, known for his pinch-hitting, demonstrated a textbook helicopter shot during the Abu Dhabi T10 League in 2018. Facing Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan on the last ball of the 19th over, Rashid scooped up Irfan’s yorker and launched it for a towering six, earning applause from none other than Virender Sehwag in the dugout.
Who Taught MS Dhoni the Helicopter Shot?
MS Dhoni credits his childhood friend Santosh Lal for teaching him the helicopter shot, which Lal called the “Thappad shot.” As seen in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Lal played a crucial role in Dhoni’s early cricketing years, often showing him how to execute the shot during their matches. While Lal couldn’t pursue cricket professionally due to personal reasons, Dhoni continued his dream, eventually leading India to glory.
MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot for CSK
Dhoni has hit countless sixes for Chennai Super Kings, with many coming from his signature helicopter shot. One of the most memorable moments was during IPL 2015, when Dhoni faced Lasith Malinga at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite Malinga’s accurate bowling, Dhoni used the helicopter shot to send a near-perfect yorker for a six, showcasing his incredible skill.
FAQs
Who is the King of Helicopter Shot?
MS Dhoni is widely recognized as the king of helicopter shot, mastering it to counter yorker-length deliveries and turning them into boundaries. His friend Santosh Lal is credited with introducing Dhoni to the shot.
Who Played the First Helicopter Shot in Cricket?
While several players like Aravinda de Silva, Kevin Pietersen, Sachin Tendulkar, and Abdul Razzaq had played similar shots before, it was MS Dhoni who truly popularized the helicopter shot and used it consistently to great effect.
Who Invented the Helicopter Shot?
The helicopter shot gained its name and fame through MS Dhoni, but it was his friend Santosh Lal who first taught him how to play the stroke, which became a hallmark of Dhoni’s game.
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