Former Indian Cricketing legend and one of India’s most successful Captain, MS Dhoni has reportedly suggested tricks of success to explosives Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. Both Pandya and Pant are somehow of the same profile as Dhoni that is coming to bat in crucial situations and playing the finishers role to help the team get over the line.
Very recently, a report from a trusted source revealed that MS Dhoni has asked Pandya and Pant to start using a certain type of Bat, which can help them elevate their T20 game to the next level. While Captain Cool was still playing cricket, he was often seen using round-thick bottomed bat alongside a curve on the back side. It may come as a surprise to some if shape of Bats really matter or not because mostly it is about the solidity and weight.
But when MS Dhoni himself believed in this mantra then there has to be some reasoning behind it. When we look at the type of Bats KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant uses, then there is an evident pronounced curve at the bottom of the Bat. This design and structure was actually Dhoni’s innovation which aids in hitting Powerful strokes.
These type of Bats are now being preferred by the Indian players mostly for the shortest format as it helps the Batters to open their hands and generate more power through the shape of the Bat. Though it is not a theory that every Batsman believes in as everyone has different choices and preferences. Let’s find out the players who used one of the heaviest bats in cricket.
| Name of the Cricketer | Weight |
| Lance Klusner | 1.53 KG |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1.47 KG |
| Chris Gayle | 1.36 KG |
| Virender Sehwag | 1.35 KG |
| MS Dhoni | 1.27 KG |
| Kane Williamson | 1.12 KG |
| AB De Villiers | 1.19 KG |
| David Warner | 1.24 KG |
| Virat Kohli | 1.22 KG |
How does a round bottomed Bat help Batsmen?
Bat selection is solely the choice of a Batter and it depends upon a lot of factors. Height, strength and style of play all comes into the fore while choosing the right bat. Players already undergo a number of drills to improve power hitting skill and Bat selection has now become an important factor.
Sanspareils Greensland Managing director Paras Anand explained the theory behind choosing round bottomed thick curved bats.
These bats are ordered specially for shorter formats. The players claim that helps them access all directions of the ground while shot-making. A Bat with a flat bottom prompts a relatively closed stance whereas the round bottomed bat enables them to have a more open stance that helps them to manoeuvre the bat easily from the word go.
he added
If one shaves the bottom and makes it round, the bat has a thicker base and has more meat at the bottom.
MS Dhoni – the innovator behind the inception of Round-bottomed Bats
Bats with a thick bottom are are beneficial for countering yorkers and batters have also expressed that using such type of Bats makes the pick-up and bat swing very smooth and slick. Hardik Pandya is perhaps one of the most in-form players at the moment had a rough patch in 2021 but he rediscovered himself during last year’s IPL, where he led Gujarat Titans towards IPL glory.
Pandya came out to express the advice and support he received from MS Dhoni saying his suggestions have stuck into his mind. During India’s first Super 12 fixture against arch rivals Pakistan, Pandya played a huge role behind India’s victory sccoring important 40 runs off 37 balls.
Hardik Pandya is #ReadyForT20WC and can't wait to give his best to end the 15-year wait! 😍
Watch the all-rounder in conversation about his goals, mentors and much more on:#MissionMelbourne | LIVE NOW | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/mbMXaR42YB
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 18, 2022
Rishabh Pant too has been struggling to find rhythm and MS Dhoni reportedly advised him about the way he should approach the game.
Dhoni told him (Pant) to try the round-bottomed bat. He is slowly getting used to it. The curve on his bat is not as pronounced yet. But he can feel some difference – said Paras Anand.
Also Read – Top 5 Most Run scorers in T20 Internationals
