Inspired by Dhoni, learnt helicopter shot for 'death' overs: Vishnu Solanki

Cricket Image for Inspired by Dhoni, learnt helicopter shot for 'death' overs: Vishnu Solanki (Vishnu Solanki (Image Source: Google))

Right-handed batsman Vishnu Solanki, who hit a helicopter shot a la MS Dhoni off the last ball in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 quarter-final against Haryana, to take Baroda to win and into the semi-finals, said that he had practiced the stroke in the quarantine period just for the 'death' overs for domestic limited-overs tournaments.

The No.3 batsman hammered a 46-ball 71 to make easy work of Haryana's 148-run total.

"Actually, I practiced a lot and worked very hard for the helicopter shot for the T20 format. Whenever I used to get free time after practice, I would practice this shot in the hope that it would help me in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy," Solanki told IANS on Wednesday.

Baroda was 131/2 after 19 overs and needed 17 runs off the last over from medium-pacer Sumit Kumar. Solanki got just two singles off the first two balls. Baroda needed 15 off the last three balls and Solanki, back on strike, hit a six and a four and followed it up with the helicopter shot for a six to seal the game in Baroda's favor.

"I had learned this shot, especially for the 'death' overs because, during the last few overs of the innings, a fast bowler generally tries to bowl yorkers. In the last four-five overs, the bowlers go for the yorkers. That is why I learned this shot. I had been working hard on this shot for the last three-four months in Baroda. I used to see Mahi Bhai. I also thought I should try something different. I thought it will be apt for T20 cricket," added Solanki who has played 24 first-class games, 32 List A games, and 39 T20s.

Read More