Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best finisher which Indian cricket has seen. The burly right hander and former Indian captain was one of the most destructive batsman of his time. The best of Dhoni was seen when it was the death overs. Hence, no matter who the bowler was, a slight error in bowling the required line or length would result in him getting thumped by Dhoni for a maximum.
One of the most effective weapon of Dhoni in death overs was his patent shot, The Helicopter shot. A shot which absolutely neutralized the most useful artillery of the fast bowlers, the Yorker. Dhoni belted all the Yorkers over the fence through robust use of his strong wrists. Moreover, most of the times, the Helicopter would result in the ball landing outside the ropes.
In this match, it was a similar story. India and Australia were playing the final ODI match of a thriller 7 match series. Two matches of the ODI series were cancelled due to rain. Consequently, coming into the final match, the series was level at 2-2. Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. India got off to a great start and they looked to take the total above 350.
Breathtaking helicopter shot by Dhoni!
Rohit Sharma had completed his century as MS Dhoni came in to bat at number 6. Moreover, Dhoni was in imperious touch from the word go. Anything that was ordinary bowling was getting dispatched for boundaries by the Indian captain. Amidst this, James Faulkner was brought in to bowl the 48th over of the innings. A left arm medium pacer, his stock ball was a slower one. Deliveries like this was ideal for Dhoni in the slog overs.
As expected, the left arm seamer ran in and bowled a slower delivery to Dhoni. To the bowler’s horror, the batsman was waiting for this length. Hence, he absolutely pounced on the delivery and out came a thunderous helicopter shot. Such was the amazing flick of his wrist that as soon as the ball met his bat, it flew away.
The ball kept travelling the distance and went outside the stadium. Such powerful was the blow that the ball bounced twice on the roof and then fell outside it. It was a brutal show of strength by the Indian captain. Moreover, the skills required to complete the shot was of other worldly level. No wonder, Faulkner was visibly stunned by the six.
Watch the video of the six here:
