NEW DELHI: Everybody is aware of the destruction MS Dhoni has unleashed on opponents along with his iconic “Helicopter Shot” when the strain is on.
Nevertheless, few are acquainted with Santosh Lal, the person behind Dhoni’s well-known shot.
Rising up enjoying cricket collectively in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni have been shut pals lengthy earlier than Dhoni turned a family title.
Whereas Dhoni’s rise to fame is well-documented, only a few individuals know that the signature “Helicopter Shot”, which Dhoni used to dominate bowlers worldwide, was really taught to him by Santosh Lal.
Santosh was a gifted cricketer with a pure aptitude for the sport. He had a novel potential to whip the ball off his legs with a robust flick of the wrists, sending it flying over the boundary in a manner that appeared easy.
This unconventional shot turned often known as the helicopter shot, and it was one thing Santosh had mastered throughout his native cricketing days.
Dhoni, all the time eager to study, picked up the shot from Santosh throughout their matches collectively.
“He (Santosh) and Dhoni would play tennis ball video games endlessly. They each labored for the Railways. Santosh was fearless as a batsman,” Nishant Dayal, an outdated good friend of Santosh, as soon as advised The Indian Specific. “Over time, Dhoni could have patented the ‘helicopter shot’ however rising up, there was somebody who was higher at it. Dhoni all the time admired his batting model. And Santosh taught him to play the helicopter shot.”
High 10 helicopter pictures by MS Dhoni
Whereas Dhoni went on to realize worldwide fame, turning into some of the profitable captains in cricket historical past, Santosh’s life took a special path.
He performed cricket on the state stage however by no means reached the nationwide stage. Regardless of this, his bond with Dhoni remained sturdy, and their friendship was a supply of delight for each.
In 2013, Santosh fell significantly in poor health with pancreatitis. Dhoni, who was then on the peak of his profession, did the whole lot he might to assist his good friend.
He even organized for Santosh to be airlifted to Delhi for superior medical therapy. Sadly, regardless of Dhoni’s efforts, Santosh handed away on the age of 32.
Santosh Lal’s contribution to cricket is probably not as well known as Dhoni’s, however his legacy lives on within the helicopter shot that has thrilled thousands and thousands of followers.
