Who invented helicopter shot in cricket
Cricket, otherwise known as the gentleman’s game has been in existence for centuries. Its inception was in England and over time it spread to other parts of the world taking a central place as National sports in countries such as India, Australia, and Pakistan among others. The beauty of cricket is found in its techniques and manoeuvres that have evolved over the years. One exceptional stroke that has left many fans awestruck and opponents flabbergasted is the ‘Helicopter Shot’. It’s a shot which arguably revolutionized the batting strategy.
The Origin of Helicopter shot
Invented by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the helicopter shot made its grand debut on the international cricket stage around 2005-06. This unique move gained considerable attention during one nail-biting match where Dhoni successfully executed this stunt. It was nothing less than astounding as he stunned his opponents with how swiftly he managed to send the ball zooming across to the boundary line or over it.
The artistry in the execution of this shot is to use one’s wrist forcefully while finishing a full-arm power swing even when facing a yorker-length delivery. With perfect execution, there isn’t much any bowler could do once Dhoni launched into these shots – it completely neutralized Yorker deliveries.
Dhoni — Master of the Helicopter Shot
Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Bihar (Now in Jharkhand), India. Dhoni grew up understanding different facets of cricket from an early age. Nicknamed “Captain Cool” for his calm demeanour under pressure situations and his strategic acumen mastered every trick of the trade possible but what set him apart subtly yet convincingly was indeed – ‘The Helicopter Shot.’
Signature Move
This characteristic stroke begins just like any other normal shot but takes an unprecedented twist towards the end that sends the ball in rocket speed across the pitch. The manoeuvre involves a threefold process: positioning, swinging and the thorough follow-through sweep.
Full Video in Youtube
The Impact of Helicopter Shot
The addition of this unique stroke to cricket brought about a fresh air. With its introduction into mainstream technique shots, it became quite popular in T20 format due to its effectiveness against fast yorker balls aimed at toes or base of stumps
Others have tried to replicate this move, with varying levels of success, however, many have confessed that getting it perfect is pretty challenging. Dhoni’s command over his shot was so profound that even today, years after he first showcased this exquisite stroke style, fans everywhere still remember and celebrate him as the only true master of the helicopter shot.
Legacy
Dhoni has left behind a long lasting legacy not just because he was one of finest captains Indian cricket team ever had, or for his batting prowess or exceptional wicket-keeping skills but more than anything else – It was for inventing a shot – ‘A Helicopter Shot’ which doesn’t yet have any textbook reference!
While modern eyecatching strokes like reverse sweeps and switch hits keep making rounds in cricket conversations among pundits and fans alike, very few realise these are modifications done on traditional cricket-book shots. However ‘Helicopter Shot’, despite being unorthodox yet remains original – thanks to the genius of MS Dhoni.
Conclusion
Cricket, much like other sports evolves over time. Its beauty lies in those once-in-a-lifetime players who come in and introduce something new creating history and elevating the game itself up by several notches. MS Dhoni’s invention of ‘the Helicopter shot’ did exactly same – expanding boundaries further – both metaphorically and practically! His invention will forever be a part of cricket folklore and continue to inspire generations of aspiring cricketers.
