Hardik Pandya has already emulated M S Dhoni’s signature helicopter shot and the Mumbai Indians all-rounder says the veteran keeper-batsman liked his version of the innovative stroke.
Pandya has looked in ominous form this IPL, scoring 218 runsat a strike rate of 194.64 in nine matches. He used the shot to good effectagainst speedster Kagiso Rabada in their game against Delhi Capital Thursdaynight.
The 25-year-old smashed 32 off 15 balls to power MumbaiIndians to 168 for five, a total which Delhi Capitals found too stiff to chase,going down by 40 runs.
His inning comprised two boundaries and three massive sixes,including the helicopter shot — a stroke made famous by Dhoni.
It was in the second ball of the 20th over when Hardik hadplayed that shot, sending a Rabada delivery across the ropes between long-on anddeep mid-wicket position.
The all-rounder had played the helicopter shot in front ofDhoni during a game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which Mumbai won by 37runs at the Wankhede.
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“I never thought I would play the helicopter shot in a game.I’ve been practising that in the nets. I went to Dhoni’s room and asked him ifhe liked my version of the helicopter shot. He said it was good,” said Pandya.
“Even I was telling myself that I don’t think I’ve ever hitthe ball better. I have been working hard in the nets and it has been comingoff well for me,” he said.
“I like to keep the basics straight, even in the death ifyou keep your shape and hope for bowlers to miss, you can hit hard.
“I am using my brain well, reading the wicket well in this season. I have five more games to go and then the play-offs, and I hope to keep going like this through the season.”