Limited-overs cricket has seen creative batters inventing new shots to outsmart bowlers and score efficiently. One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) formats have introduced unique trials that changed the game and thrilled fans. We'll explore the top 10 such shots in this article. Cricket's history is rich, and limited-overs cricket has brought new shot-making techniques. These shots have transformed the game, leaving fans amazed and bowlers puzzled.
1. Helicopter Shot
The helicopter shot, made famous by Indian cricketer MS Dhoni, is a remarkable stroke involving a powerful wrist flick that sends the ball flying over the leg side. It scores boundaries against challenging deliveries, especially at the end of limited-overs matches. Dhoni learned it from his childhood friend, Santosh Lal, and it has since become his signature move. Other players like Sachin Tendulkar, Hardik Pandya, and Rashid Khan have also attempted this shot.
2. The Dilscoop
The "Dilscoop" is a distinctive cricket shot where the batsman kneels and scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper's head. This shot, introduced by Tillakaratne Dilshan, is used against short-pitched deliveries from fast- or medium-paced bowlers. Dilshan's innovation made him versatile with aggressive batting and energetic fielding. This shot's popularity has grown in cricket-playing countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It demands precise timing and coordination to succeed.
3. The Reverse Sweep
In cricket, the reverse sweep is a unique shot where the batsman hits the ball in the opposite direction of a regular sweep. This shot is now typical in cricket. Players like AB De Villiers use it well against spinners and pacers. Pakistani Mushtaq Mohammad invented it, while coach Bob Woolmer developed it. The shot needs focus and power, reversing the blade halfway through the swing.
4. The Switch Hit
The switch hit is a modern cricket shot popularized by Kevin Pietersen. It involves the batsman changing their stance from right-handed to left-handed (or vice versa) just before the bowler delivers the ball. This tactic manipulates the field and lets the batsman score in unusual areas. It's a variation of the reverse sweep and is used primarily against spin bowlers. The switch hit requires precise timing, swift stance change, and grip adjustment to execute successfully and surprise the fielding team.
5. The Ramp Shot
The ramp shot, popularized by Kevin Pietersen, is a cricket stroke where the batsman guides the ball over the wicketkeeper's head using the bowler's pace. This shot involves altering the stance and using the bat's face to deflect the ball over the shoulder towards the leg area. The shot demands coordination and courage, mainly against faster bowlers. If well-timed, it can evade fielders and score runs. The ramp shot necessitates a balanced stance, opposite trigger, bat face opening, and precise execution.
6. The Uppercut
The uppercut shot in cricket lifts the ball over fielders when facing short deliveries. Sachin Tendulkar popularized this shot, which requires precise timing. The uppercut is executed by bending the back, holding the bat up, and using the ball's speed to guide it towards the boundary. It's a risky shot that demands skill and proper execution. Tendulkar's iconic uppercut against Shoaib Akhtar is still remembered.
7. The Slap Shot
The slap shot is a forceful stroke used to hit the ball with great power. Batsmen swing the bat horizontally, generating maximum force to send the ball to the boundary. It's effective against short-pitched deliveries. Termed the "Sehwag Special," this shot involves hitting a short, wide ball through the off-side with a horizontal bat, exploiting gaps in the field for powerfully placed shots. Players like Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill have employed this method.
8. Inside-out Shot
The inside-out shot is a challenging cricket stroke. Batsmen use this shot against spinners, moving across to hit the ball over extra cover, regardless of its line. It demands excellent hand-eye coordination. The inside-out shot is considered one of cricket's most challenging shots. Suresh Raina's execution of the inside-out shot is impressive. This shot occurs when a batter shifts towards the leg side and hits a ball bowled close to the leg stump to the off side.
9. Periscope Shot
The Periscope Shot is a unique and captivating stroke in cricket that has gained popularity among players and fans. It was introduced by Eoin Morgan and is played against yorkers. The batsman lifts the bat vertically and guides the ball towards the leg side. The Periscope Shot was popularized by Brian Lara, a West Indian batting legend known for his innovative stroke play. However, it was Bangladeshi batsman Soumya Sarkar who popularized this shot globally.
10. Hook Shot
The hook shot is a spectacular but risky shot. It is played when the ball is pitched outside the leg stump and comes up to the batsman at shoulder height. The batsman hits the ball towards the 'on' side boundary. It is a dangerous shot because if the batsman misjudges the ball's movement, they can get hit, or the ball can be caught by the opponent fielders. Batsmen usually play the hook shot against a bouncer, a short-pitched delivery that rises sharply off the pitch. Ricky Ponting is famous for his hook shot in cricket.
