Cricket is a sport that is loved by millions of people all around the world. One of the most popular formats of cricket is the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the world’s top cricketers come together to showcase their skills and entertain the fans. Over the years, the IPL has given us some of the most iconic moments in cricket, with batsmen hitting jaw-dropping shots that leave us in awe. In this blog, we will be taking a look at the 5 most iconic cricket shots in the IPL.
Number 1 – The Switch Hit (Kevin Pietersen)
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Kevin Pietersen’s ‘Switch Hit’ is one of the most innovative and daring shots in cricket history. It’s a shot that involves changing the batsman’s grip and stance midway through the bowler’s delivery, allowing him to hit the ball in the opposite direction to what the bowler is expecting.
Pietersen first played the shot in a One Day International match against New Zealand in 2008, where he switched his grip and stance to hit a six-over cover off the bowling of Scott Styris. The shot left everyone stunned, including the bowler, the fielders, and the fans.
The switch hit is a high-risk shot that requires exceptional skill and timing, and it’s not something that every batsman can execute successfully. It’s a shot that requires a lot of practice and confidence, and it’s something that Pietersen worked on for a long time before using it in a match.
Number 2 – The Reverse Scoop (AB de Villiers)
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AB de Villiers’ Reverse scoop, also known as the “17th shot” or “Superman Shot,” is another innovative and breathtaking shot in cricket. It’s a shot where the batsman changes his grip and plays a scoop shot over his shoulder, in the opposite direction to where the ball is coming from.
De Villiers first played the shot in a match against the Netherlands in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where he scooped a delivery from medium-pacer Ahsan Malik over the wicketkeeper’s head for a boundary. The shot was immediately hailed as one of the most audacious and skilful shots in cricket history, and it left everyone watching in disbelief.
The reverse scoop shot is an extremely difficult shot to execute, as it requires a lot of skill, timing, and a fearless approach. It’s a high-risk shot that can result in either a boundary or the batsman being dismissed, depending on how well it’s played.
Number 3. The Helicopter Shot (MS Dhoni)
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s “Helicopter Shot” is one of the most iconic shots in the history of cricket. It’s a shot where the batsman flicks the ball powerfully off his pads and generates tremendous speed and height, similar to the blades of a helicopter.
The shot was first played by Dhoni in a match against Pakistan during the 2010 Asia Cup. Facing pacer Mohammad Sami, he hit a full delivery towards long-on, but instead of following through with the bat, he flicked his wrists and sent the ball soaring over midwicket for a six. The shot left the commentators and the crowd in awe, and it immediately became a sensation in the cricketing world.
The Helicopter Shot has become an integral part of Dhoni’s legacy, and it’s a symbol of his innovative and fearless approach to batting. It’s a shot that requires exceptional hand-eye coordination, and Dhoni’s ability to execute it with ease has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.
Number 4. The Dil-Scoop (Tilakaratne Dilshan)
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Tillakaratne Dilshan’s “Dil-scoop” shot is one of the most innovative and audacious shots in the history of cricket. It’s a shot where the batsman drops to his knees and scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head, in the opposite direction to where the ball is coming from.
Dilshan first played the shot in a match against Australia during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. Facing the fast bowler Dirk Nannes, he played the Dil-scoop, sending the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head for a boundary. The shot stunned the Australian team, and it immediately became a talking point in the cricketing world.
The Dil-scoop shot has also inspired other batsmen, such as AB de Villiers, to attempt their versions of the shot. However, Dilshan’s version remains the most iconic and memorable, and it’s a testament to his creativity and innovation in cricket.
Number 5. The Upar Cut (Virender Sehwag)
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Virender Sehwag’s “Upar Cut” shot is one of the most unique and effective shots in the history of cricket. It’s a shot where the batsman opens the face of the bat and cuts the ball over the slips, in the opposite direction to where the ball is coming from.
Sehwag first played the Upar Cut shot in a match against Australia during the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Facing the fast bowler Brett Lee, he played the Upar Cut, sending the ball over the slips for a boundary. The shot surprised the Australian team, and it immediately became a talking point in the cricketing world.
The Upar Cut shot is a symbol of the endless possibilities of innovation and creativity in cricket, and it’s a shot that will forever remain etched in the annals of cricketing history.
