MS Dhoni's Iconic 'Helicopter Shot' Wasn't His Invention: The Story Behind It
MS dhoni is celebrated for his signature ‘Helicopter Shot,’ a move that has dazzled cricket fans worldwide. However, it turns out that Captain Cool didn’t invent this iconic shot.
So, where did dhoni learn it? The credit goes to his close friend, Santosh Lal. Growing up in Ranchi, dhoni and Santosh played cricket together, and it was from Santosh that dhoni learned the unique technique of the Helicopter Shot.
Santosh was known for his ability to hit the ball off his legs with a flick of the wrist, sending it soaring over the boundary. Inspired by Santosh’s skill, dhoni took the initiative to learn the shot from him. Over time, he perfected it and made it synonymous with his name.
According to Nishant Dayal, a longtime friend of Santosh, “He and dhoni would play endless tennis ball games. Santosh was fearless as a batsman, and dhoni admired his style. He taught dhoni how to play the Helicopter Shot.”
While dhoni may have popularized the shot, Santosh was initially the better player. Unfortunately, he never made it to the national level in cricket and tragically passed away from pancreatitis in 2013. dhoni did everything he could to support his friend, including airlifting him to delhi for advanced treatment, but ultimately, he was unable to save him.
As john F. Kennedy once said, "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." The legacy of the Helicopter Shot continues with dhoni, immortalizing both his own achievements and those of his dear friend, ensuring that their story will be cherished for generations to come.