IPL 2019 | Asked Dhoni if he liked my helicopter shot, reveals Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has revealed that he had gone to MS Dhoni’s hotel room to ask if the former Indian skipper had liked the helicopter shot that Pandya has been pulling off so brilliantly this IPL season. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder also revealed that he had been practising the shot often in the nets.
One of the main reasons why Mumbai Indians have hit peak form this season sitting second on the points table has been the return of the flamboyant Hardik Pandya to his old form. The cavalier hard hitter has been connecting the ball well this season scoring 218 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 194.64 in the nine matches that he has played.
Yesterday was no different when the 25-year-old had to step in when his team was struggling after a strong start by the opening duo. And he came out victorious at the other end scoring a quick 32 runs off 15 balls to take the target to a competitive 169 for hosts Delhi Capitals, who eventually lost the match by 40 runs. Â
Pandya's pyrotechnics were the main highlight of the match as he hit three maximums and two boundaries, one of which was a perfect helicopter shot to a full-length delivery by Kagiso Rabada. The signature shot was invented by former Indian skipper MS Dhoni and Pandya revealed that he had asked Dhoni how his version of the shot was after he had previously used it against Chennai Super Kings earlier in the season.
"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 if he liked my version of the helicopter shot. He said it was good," said Pandya, reported IANS.
Pandya was adjudged the player of the match on Thursday and the all-rounder stated that he has been in the form of life this season and was hoping to continue it all the way into the IPL playoffs.
"I don't think I've ever hit the ball better. I have been working hard in the nets and it has been coming off well for me. I am 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," he added.
