Cricketers and their signature shots

Cricket, recognized as the Gentleman's Game, is one of the most watched sports around the globe. With the advent of the shorter version of the game, its popularity has risen across the years. Recently, a new version of the game, T10 was played in UAE back in December 2017.

There are a plethora of reasons for a fan to cherish for, be it spectacular batting or some fiery spell. Maestros of the game have left an indelible mark on some shots. There is no better sight than to witness their execution from the willows of the masters.

Let's have a look at such shots and their specialists.

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#1. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar- Straight Drive

One can watch Sachin's straight drive for a hundred times and ask for more. That was the grandeur of the master's incompatible stature. It wouldn't matter to him whether it is a half volley or a good length delivery. In a fraction of second, the ball would be seen running towards the fence. Even his paddle swipe, upper-cut, cover drives were sublime as well still, the straight drive was special.

#2. Brian Charles Lara- Late Cut

The legendary Caribbean batsman is among the most stylish players to play the game. He had a vast array of shots, but his late cut was a special one. The way he used to toy spinners with his high backlift was remarkable. Also, his loft over the off-side was a top-class shot.

#3. Ricky Ponting- Pull Shot

Punter aka Ponting probably the best captain of the cricket history had mastered the art of pulling and hooking the ball. Anything above his waist area would be dispatched over the mid wicket area. He was a classy batsman and had other glamorous shots like cover drive, on-drive, but was the best puller of the world for a reason.

#4. Rahul Dravid- Square Cut

"The Wall" as the fans call him would stand tall on the 22 yards pitch in spite of dangerous bowling attack or worsening overcast condition. Dravid had the best defence in his era along with a good variety of shots. His square cut was one of the most lovely sights in a test match.

#5. Hashim Amla- TipToe Shot

Hashim Amla is an elegant stroke-maker with amazing defensive skills. He plays fascinating shots being on his toes, be it cut, back foot punch, or a jab. This is very difficult shot to play off a pacer but Amla masters it and makes it look so easy.

#.6 Virender Sehwag- Upper Cut

"Virender Sehwag gave me nightmares," said Dale Steyn. Viru Paaji could damage any bowling attack courtesy of his hitting ability. Though he had a vast range of strokes, uppercut was his weapon against deadly bouncers. Upper-Cut was introduced by his fellow opener Sachin Tendulkar, but Viru left his impression on it.

#7. Virat Kohli- Cover Drive

Virat Kohli has risen to the lists of the great batsmen in his decade-long career. Indian skipper's cover drive is the most beautiful sight in modern-day cricket. The way he executes it, his head goes in the line of the ball, the body follows, and the ball finds the middle of the bat. His other note-worthy shots are a wristy flick, inside-out.

#8. AB de Villiers- Lap Shot

" There is nothing AB de Villiers can't do on a cricket field," said Harsha Bhogle. He can hit 360 degrees around the ground. A blend of orthodox shots and unorthodox shots, this is how you define this man. Playing cricketing is okay but hitting 145+ kmph delivery for a lap shot is not a child's play, only ABD can do that.

#9. Kevin Pietersen- Switch Hit

Changing his batting stance from right to left just before the ball arrives was not a thing a someone thought of until KP showed up. He would turn his stance just after bowler released the ball and found a way to manipulate the gaps. This was an innovative move that changed the perception of modern day cricket.

#10. MS Dhoni- Helicopter Shot

The last one to make this list is MSD special " The Helicopter Shot." Dhoni brought a weapon that would hit the most challenging ball for a six. Helicopter Shot was invented much before Dhoni's debut, but it was MS who made it popular.