Cricket is a sport that allows for creativity and batters often experiment with various shot selections to counter the tactics of bowlers. These unique shots require exceptional hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, and audacity to execute successfully. They not only entertain the spectators but also challenge the bowlers and add a new dimension to the game.
1. Dilshan Scoop
One such remarkable shot is the Dilshan Scoop, popularized by the Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan. It involves a batsman getting down on one knee and deftly scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head. The audacity and skill required to play this shot make it a sight to behold.
2. Helicopter Shot
The “Helicopter Shot” introduced by the former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with its powerful wrist flicks and a helicopter-like follow-through, is a sight to behold. This shot requires powerful wrists and forearms for it to be a success. After Dhoni many other batters have tried to copy this shot, which resulted in introduction of an unique batting style.
3. Switch Hit
Another shot that has become synonymous with modern cricket is the “Switch Hit.” This shot, popularized by batters like Kevin Pietersen, involves a batsman changing his stance from right-handed to left-handed or vice versa just before the ball is dispatched by the bowler. The switch hit adds an element of surprise and unpredictability, as the batsman aims to manipulate the field and capitalize on the weaker areas.
4. The Scorpion Shot
Played by the legendary West Indies cricketer Keiron Pollard, this shot involves flicking the ball behind the batsman’s legs, like a scorpion’s tail.
5. The Dil-cut
A shot played by Tillakaratne Dilshan, where he cuts the ball late and straight behind the wicketkeeper, even if the ball is outside off-stump. This shot is played too late for the keeper to react and thus often becoming a boundary. Dilshan was known for playing innovative shots throughout his career.
6. The Perera Scoop
Named after Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Perera, this shot involves a full-length dive towards the ball to scoop it over the wicketkeeper’s head. The ball lands way behind the wicketkeeper and the wicketkeeper is unable to stop it before it reaches the boundary generally. Even the slip fielders have difficulty preventing the ball from reaching the boundary.
7. The Natmeg
Named after the English cricketer Natalie Sciver, this shot involves hitting the ball between your legs. This shot requires timing, practice, and audacity to hit this shot perfectly while avoiding the legs.
8. Reverse Sweep
In this shot, a right-handed batsman plays a sweep shot as a left-hander by reversing his grip and using the back of the bat face. Perfect timing is the most crucial factor for hitting this shot. Many players are known to hit this shot like Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Joe Root.
9. Straight Drive
Even though this shot cannot be classified as a unique shot, it is worth mentioning because it is as beautiful and exciting to look at as the rest of the shots. This shot was made famous by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara etc. It takes a lot of practice to hit this shot with perfection.
10. Upper-Cut
The Upper-Cut is a unique shot. It requires a lot of balance and hand-eye contact to hit an upper cut. If a bowler is bowling continuous bouncers, this shot can be played to tackle the bouncers. Through this shot the ball travels directly behind the wicketkeeper towards the boundary and if the shot is hit with perfection, the ball might as well travel for a six.
