Top Helicopter Shots in Cricket History: Who Is King?

From switch hits to scoops, cricket has become a treasure trove of new shots; however, few have created a shot as exciting and iconic as the helicopter shot. This is the most exciting and iconic stroke in modern cricket, with its bold style and clear display of power. At its centre is MS Dhoni, who perfected and popularised the breath-taking shot.

In this blog, we will take a look at what makes the helicopter shot special. We will cover its origins, the players who mastered it, and of course, answer the ultimate question: Who is the real king of the helicopter shot?

What is the Helicopter Shot?

The helicopter shot is a wonderful stroke in which the batsman flicks a full delivery to the leg side with the power of the wrist. And so, it often ends with a full-arm follow-through, which resembles the rotor blades of a helicopter.

This unconventional shot was made famous by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or more popularly by MS Dhoni. Other cricketers before him played similar strokes. However, no player has been able to maintain Dhoni’s consistency, control and power. It is not about style; the helicopter shot is about durability. It was developed as a response to the yorker bowled by experts, which was almost impossible to hit with just a cricketing shot.

Effective execution of this shot requires:

• Quick reflexes
• Exceptional hand-eye coordination
• Perfect timing and anticipation
• Strong wrists and forearms

When hit perfectly, the ball goes to long-on or midwicket, often easily crossing the boundary.

Origin: Who Invented the Helicopter Shot?

MS Dhoni may have made it world-famous, but he did not invent it completely. Dhoni himself credits his childhood friend Santosh Lal, a former Jharkhand cricketer, for teaching him the shot. Santosh calls it the “thappad shot” which Dhoni practiced religiously during his early cricketing days.

His story is beautifully portrayed in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Although Santosh Lal could not continue his cricketing career due to some personal reasons, his contribution during Dhoni’s game-changing stroke lives on, however.

Best Helicopter Shots in Cricket History: Top 3 Moments

Let’s revisit some of the greatest helicopter shots that changed cricket forever.

1. MS Dhoni: India vs Sri Lanka | 2011 ICC ODI World Cup Final

• Match: India vs Sri Lanka
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Moment: Dhoni wins the World Cup by hitting a six

One of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket was when MS Dhoni won the 2011 ODI World Cup. He achieved this feat with a high helicopter shot over Nuwan Kulasekara. India needed just four runs to win when Dhoni hit a six over long-on.

It wasn’t just a boundary, it was a moment in history. The image of Dhoni’s helicopter follow-through became a symbol of India’s long-awaited World Cup victory after 28 years. The shot was a statement of confidence, timing and courage as he finished the biggest match of his life in his own unique way.

2. Hardik Pandya: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings | IPL 2019

• Match: MI vs CSK, Wankhede Stadium
• Over: Final over by Dwayne Bravo.

In a high-voltage match between MI and CSK, Hardik Pandya showed that the helicopter shot is not Dhoni’s monopoly.

Against the ultimate death bowler Bravo, Pandya dropped deep into the crease and bowled a perfect yorker. He hit a powerful six at the corner, with that unmistakable helicopter swing. The ball went miles into the Mumbai crowd, and even CSK fans couldn’t help but applaud his talent. That over cost Bravo 29 runs and Pandya’s helicopter version became one of the talking points of the season.

3. Rashid Khan: Maratha Arabians vs Pakhtoons | Abu Dhabi T10 League 2018

• Match: Maratha Arabians vs Pakhtoons
• Bowler: Mohammad Irfan

While Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is known for his leg-spin magic, he is also capable of creating jaw-dropping moments with his bat. A perfect helicopter shot he hit off Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan during the T10 League 2018 left many in awe.

He picked up a full-length ball and hit it deep into the stands with a power-packed flick. The shot was so pure that even Virender Sehwag, who was sitting in the dugout, stood up and applauded the young all-rounder. The moment proved that the helicopter shot was not just Dhoni’s domain; it had now become a global symbol of fearless batting.

MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Shots for Chennai Super Kings 

He has played this shot many times in the IPL in the last few years, especially against death bowlers Malinga, Bravo and Kagiso.

One of the most iconic helicopter shots came at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during IPL 2015, where CSK was playing against MI. Lasith, known for his precise yorkers, barely missed his mark, and Dhoni stepped back and sent the ball to long-on. It was a swing that encapsulated Dhoni’s legacy: calm, composed, yet explosively destructive.

Batting Table: Top Helicopter Shots Performers

Bowling Table: Yorkers Attempted and Countered

Conclusion

The helicopter shot is not just a stroke but a significant act of innovation and bravery in the game of cricket. It was able to transform the bowlers’ most dangerous weapon, the yorker, into an invitation for batsmen to take revenge in a stylish manner. While others have tried and sometimes succeeded, the true trendsetter and king of this super shot remains MS Dhoni. Every time the bat swings through the air in that signature motion, it always reminds fans of the man, MS Dhoni, who changed the way cricket was played.

Read More: Top 10 Pull Shot Players in Cricket: Who Is King of Pull Shot

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