NEW DELHI: Everybody is aware of the destruction MS Dhoni has unleashed on opponents along with his iconic “Helicopter Shot” when the stress is on.
Nonetheless, few are accustomed to Santosh Lal, the person behind Dhoni’s well-known shot.
Rising up enjoying cricket collectively in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni had been shut mates lengthy earlier than Dhoni turned a family identify.
Whereas Dhoni’s rise to fame is well-documented, only a few folks know that the signature “Helicopter Shot”, which Dhoni used to dominate bowlers worldwide, was truly taught to him by Santosh Lal.
Santosh was a gifted cricketer with a pure aptitude for the sport. He had a singular capability 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 generally known as the helicopter shot, and it was one thing Santosh had mastered throughout his native cricketing days.
Dhoni, all the time eager to be taught, 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 previous good friend of Santosh, as soon as informed The Indian Specific. “Through the years, Dhoni might have patented the ‘helicopter shot’ however rising up, there was somebody who was higher at it. Dhoni all the time admired his batting type. And Santosh taught him to play the helicopter shot.”
Prime 10 helicopter photographs by MS Dhoni
Whereas Dhoni went on to realize worldwide fame, turning into probably the most profitable captains in cricket historical past, Santosh’s life took a distinct path.
He performed cricket on the state degree however by no means reached the nationwide stage. Regardless of this, his bond with Dhoni remained robust, and their friendship was a supply of pleasure for each.
In 2013, Santosh fell critically unwell with pancreatitis. Dhoni, who was then on the peak of his profession, did every thing 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 might not be as widely known as Dhoni’s, however his legacy lives on within the helicopter shot that has thrilled thousands and thousands of followers.
