Top 10 trademark shots of cricketers

There are numerous orthodox cricketing shots. But every individual shapes each shot and plays it in his own way. Here we bring to you the Top 10 Trademark shots by cricketers.

Rahul Dravid- Front foot forward defense.

Rahul Dravid! Oh what more do I need to say? The name itself is enough. The ‘Dark Knight’ of Indian cricket, with his petrous and impeccable technique gave the fans a lot to cherish about. This great is known for his rock solid defense, and especially the front foot forward defense. Simply adorable.

TM Dilshan – ‘Dilscoop’

Ever seen a batsman get on his knees to an incoming delivery at 144 kmph? Tilakaratne Dilshan, the Sri Lankan opener does that. It is not every day that you hit a bowler that hurls bullets at lightening speed. At least not to Mitchell Starc, requires some courage to do that. The ‘DilScoop’ has ist own significance.

In an interview with Times Of India, the Sri Lankan told how he invented the shot.Here’s the secret:

How did you actually invent this shot?

I played a lot of tennis ball cricket in Sri Lanka and on the streets sometimes there’s not much option to hit on either side of the wicket. I targeted the spot over the ’keeper’s head as a convenient area to score runs from. First came the paddle scoop, where you make room to lift the ball over the fineleg fielder. But I found it becoming common. Then I worked hard on my shot to make it even finer to scoop it directly over the ’keeper’s head. It took me a couple of years to perfect the shot.

MS Dhoni- The ‘Helicopter’

If the shot comes out perfectly, it is one of the most thrilling shots to watch. Yes, I am talking about the ‘Helicopter’. While we are familiar with the shot, let’s see what exactly goes behind executing it. The first and most important ingredient is power! Some brutal and raw power right from the thighs and finally to the forearms which give enough momentum to the ball, to sail it out of the park. To go with that, hand eye co-ordination plays an important role.

VVS Laxman- Flick shot

VVS Laxman, a batsman that favored the on side. Laxman owned the ‘flick’ shot. Be it any bowler, if the ball pitches on middle and leg, it’s gone! No chance for the fielders on the leg side. He pierced gaps with ease, with his beautiful wrist-work.  Sadly the world has never seen replacements for the same.

Kumara Sangakarra- Cover Drive

Kumara Sangakarra and his cover drive- a match made in heaven! A man with more than 28,000 international runs and 63 centuries certainly left a mark. He reshaped Sri Lankan cricket in his own way. Talking about the drive, though it is not a classic left-handers cover drive, but he has made it even more pleasant by adding his charm and elegance to it. When he hits them, there’s no gain running behind it. The way he flows in with the drive is just a magnificent scene!

Kevin Pieterson- Switch Hit

The former England captain and his Switch Hits are very popular. In Australia’s big Bash League Kevin Pieterson attempted it against leg-spinner fawad Ahmed, and the result was a maximum! He now seems to have mastered the shot. Going down on his knees, he hits it on his ‘wrong’ side effortlessly!

Sachin Tendulkar- Straight Drive.

A man that needs no introduction, Sachin Tendulkar has his trademark shot in the form of his ‘straight drive’. “Everything is right about that shot”- says Sunil Gavaskar seated in the commentary box. His natural ability to keep his focus on the ball, accompanied by some flawless footwork, the charm that he creates is unmatched. When this Maestro hits them, they stay hit. He never takes his eyes off the ball!

AB de Villiers- Scoop shot

One of the rare occasions when, the bowler himself could not resist applauding the batsman’s efforts against him. In an IPL encounter between RCB and SRH, South African batting sensation AB de Villiers was batting. It was his team mate, dale Steyn, bowling to him. In an over that went for 24 runs, this shot won everyone’s heart on the day. Dale Steyn had a smile on his face despite being hit for a six! The crowd was on their feet.

Virender Sehwag- Upper Cut

The aggressive Indian opener plays this shot superbly. Probably the strongest shot in his armoury, Any ball which is shot on off gets the treatment. Aginst arch rivals Pakistan, he unleashed this one against speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Ricky Ponting- Pull shot

Coming from a country which has some of the fastest tracks in the world, no wonder why punter plays the Pull so well. He has been playing since his debut and nothing has changed over the years. A rising delivery is a delight for the former Australian captain.
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