For years, the ‘helicopter shot’ has been synonymous with Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni, the former Indian captain known for his calm demeanor and explosive finishing abilities. But in a surprising revelation, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag shed light on the true origin of the iconic shot. According to Sehwag, the real pioneer of the helicopter shot was none other than another ex-India captain — the stylish Mohammed Azharuddin.
During a candid interview, Sehwag recalled watching Azharuddin play a similar version of the now-famous shot long before Dhoni’s rise to stardom. “People think Dhoni invented the helicopter shot, but actually, Azhar bhai used to play it back in the day,” Sehwag said. “It wasn’t as frequent or as aggressive, but the wrist work, the flair — it was all there.”
Azharuddin, known for his silky wrists and impeccable timing, often dazzled with unorthodox flicks and whips that blurred the line between traditional and improvised batting. While he didn’t popularize the shot the way Dhoni did — using it as a regular weapon in death overs — he certainly demonstrated its early form.
The revelation adds a new layer to the history of the helicopter shot, showing how innovations in cricket often have deeper roots than we assume. While Dhoni undoubtedly brought it into the mainstream with his power and precision, Azharuddin’s flair laid the groundwork years before. It’s a reminder that cricket, like any art form, evolves through the genius of many hands — or, in this case, many wrists.