IPL 2021: Hardik Pandya attempts MS Dhoni's helicopter shot in MI practice session; Watch

Mumbai Indians’ star Hardik Pandya was seen practicing MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League(IPL) from September 19. In a video posted on social media by the official handle of Mumbai Indians, Pandya can be seen practicing the shot which is considered as the signature of the legendary former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Mumbai Indians start the second-leg of their IPL 2021 campaign by playing match no. 30 of the tournament against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on September 19. 

The helicopter shot got its name and fame after MS Dhoni frequently played it against the toe-crushing yorkers of the fast bowlers. In the shot, the ball is hit by a flick of the wrist by using the bottom hand as a dominant force. It got its name because batsmen circle the bat overhead after hitting the ball as a follow-through, which resembles the blades of a helicopter. It is considered to be a lethal shot by the batsmen to tackle yorkers or fuller-length deliveries. Twitter users upon finding the video posted by Mumbai Indians in their feeds were quick to react and comment on the shot played by Pandya.

IPL ends on October 15 and T20 World Cup begins on October 17

The T20 World Cup starts after the completion of the IPL on 17 October. The Round 1 matches of the World Cup with start on October 17, and the Super 12 stage of the tournament will begin on October 22. Meanwhile, one of the social media users wished Hardik Pandya to come back to form in the IPL and then urged him to fly the helicopter in the ICC T20 World Cup. 

On the other hand, another user compared the all-rounder to other players like Shardul Thakur. Shardul Thakur has recently impressed everyone as an all-rounder in International cricket with some fantastic batting and bowling performances.  

At the same time, one of the users termed Pandya, an x- factor as India proceed to the T20 World Cup.

Another user pointed out Pandya’s recent struggle with the short ball and urged him to practice shots to improve his play against short-pitched delivery.

With 29 matches played in the first leg of the IPL 2021, Delhi Capitals top the points tables with six wins in eight matches. DC are followed by CSK at second place with five wins till now in seven matches. Whereas, the defending champions MI are in fourth place at the points table with four wins in seven matches.

(Image: BCCI/IPL Photo)