As the game of cricket has evolved over the years, and keeps on changing, the way the game is played is also changing. Players have come up with new and unique ways to score runs, employing not only the orthodox shots but also new and different ones, some of which cannot even be named. While some of these shots are new altogether, some are just versions, which individual players have worked on to play in their unique way. Irrespective of this, all of these make one wonder how the batters have hit these beauties. On that note, here is a list of 10 jaw-dropping shots played in the game.
1. Suryakumar Yadav Vs Gujarat Titans (IPL)
You know you have hit a spectacular shot when Sachin Tendulkar makes a mock effort to imitate it. Suryakumar was already hitting shots all over the park when Shami bowled a bowl wide outside off. Yadav sliced the ball for a six over short third man. Ravi Shastri sitting in the commentary box had to assure the audience that it was a deliberate shot and not just an edge. It is by far the most incredible shot in cricket simply because of the complexity behind it and the simplicity with which it was executed.
2. Joe Root Reverse Scoop
The reverse scoop is not a shot that is new to the world of cricket, with A. B. de Villiers employing it in his 360-degree batting. However, Joe Root stunned the world by first using it after England started playing the game by the bazball approach. It has now become a mainstay in his batting, and the shot is pleasing to the eye. The way he gets into position and executes it makes what is a perilous and challenging shot look easy.
3. Glenn Maxwell Vs Lancashire
Opening the batting for Yorkshire, Maxwell was facing off-spin to start the innings. He dispatched the first ball of the innings for a six. What made the shot special was the fact that it was a reverse sweep. While reverse sweeps are standard, this one went over the covers for a six. The execution was also impressive since the ball pitched outside side and to hit it on the off for a six was very impressive.
4. Suryakumar Yadav Vs Zimbabwe
Suryakumar is probably one player who will feature multiple times in this list, as he is known for playing unbelievable shots. One such shot was against Zimbabwe when the bowler bowled the ball outside the wide line on the offside. Suryakumar scooped the shot for a six over fine leg. The audacity of the shot had the commentators in disbelief as it looked almost unreal to execute.
5. Jonny Bairstow Vs South Africa
Bairstow was looking comfortable in the crease and was playing his shots with ease. It was then that the bowler bowled a yorker at Bairstow’s legs, who made room and tapped the causing it to go between his legs and for a boundary. The commentators called it a nutmeg shot and the precision needed to tap it while also making room between both the legs to let it go past was what made it special.
6. David Warner Vs India
It is no secret that David Warner can bat right-handed pretty well. Over the years, we have seen him play some shots batting righty. One such shot was against India. Seeing him switch hands, Ashwin bowled the ball outside off, but Warner was ready for it and hit between deep mid-wicket and long on for a six. His ability to read what the bowler did and play accordingly made it even more incredible.
7. AB De Villiers Vs Delhi Daredevils (IPL)
De Villiers is known for playing 360-degree shots. It comes as no surprise that he should be on this list, as he has played some of the most incredible shots over the years. One such shot was the reverse sweep that he played against Delhi Daredevil. Pathan read the shot and bowled it outside off, but de Villiers just guided it over the wicket-keeper for a six. The ridiculousness of the shot left even the bowler looking at de Villiers in disbelief.
8. Dilshan Scoop
While the scoop shot was not new to the world of cricket, Dilshan gave it a twist of his own. The traditional scoop shot is played in the direction of the fine leg. However, Dilshan positioned himself under the ball and hit the shot over his own and the keeper’s head, making it one the most spectacular shots for the eye to see.
9. Glenn Maxwell Vs Adelaide Strikers
Maxwell looked set, having already hammered 27 runs off 13 balls. Laughlin bowled him a short ball well outside the leg stump. Maxwell waited for the ball and played it late over short fine leg for a six. The shot was pleasing on the eye as it was very well played and to dispatch a short ball over fine leg is no easy feat.
10. Suryakumar Yadav Vs New Zealand
Here we have him again. Suryakumar played a beautifully crafted shot, sending the ball flying towards the grassy area beyond the third-man boundary. Ferguson had bowled a full-length delivery on the line of the off stump, but Yadav effortlessly dispatched it. Both the spectators as well as the commentator were amazed by his skill.
