While every cricket game sees a certain amount of creativity on the part of the players, the speed by which the game has evolved in the last few years since the advent of T20 is remarkable.
See some of the unconventional shots played by cricketers in T20.
The Dilscoop
This particular shot was carried out by Tillakaratne Dilshan during the 2009’s ICC T20 world cup. And as Dilshan explained back home in the narrow streets of Sri Lanka, there was not much room on either side of the wicket to swing the bat, so he always opted to scoop and hit it behind the head of the wicketkeeper.
The Paddle Sweep
The paddle sweep is one of those shots that have been known to be extremely effective against low bouncers. It usually requires the batsman bending down on one knee and holding the bat horizontally as the ball comes close and directing the same towards fine leg.
While the batsman cannot exercise much control over this shot as he should, say with a sweep, nevertheless this shot has a higher success rate than most others. In fact, both Sachin and Sehwag have been known to be quite good at using the sweep, even at the IPL games.
The Switch Hit
While it may look similar to the reverse sweep, in this shot the batsman purposely plays the ball in the air by switching from his usual stance.
Also known as Alti-Palti in Hindi, Kevin Pieterson first mastered this stroke. The shot had initially generated debate in the cricket world, some heralding it as an outstanding display of skill and others arguing that if the batsman changes stance he gains an unfair advantage over the bowler. Finally, ICC approved the shot.
Reverse Sweep
The two most dangerous players in world cricket in the shortest format –AB de Villiers and Maxwell — use this shot when the off-side field is up inside the circle.
Also Read: The All-Time Great AB De Villiers Call it a Day. Here are 5 Reasons Why he is Unique.
It is also a weapon to unsettle a spinner and thwart the rival captain’s tactics. It involves a high element of risk with many batsmen falling at a point or cover when they miscue this shot.
Upper Cut
This shot was first played in a Test by Sehwag’s opening partner in limited overs cricket: One Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Sachin used the shot to tackle the bounce of Makhaya Ntini and Nantie Hayward. In the T20 era, almost every batsman has this shot in their arsenal.
Helicopter Shot
The trademark stroke of India’s limited overs cricket captain Dhoni. The Helicopter Shot signals Dhoni’s brute power coupled with amazing wrist work and bat speed.
The shot helps MS counter yorkers, traditionally considered the safest deliveries during the death overs.
Several batsmen have started playing this stroke but the Helicopter Shot will always remind cricket lovers about Dhoni.
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