Rajasthan Royals’ young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grabbed attention during a practice session in Jaipur ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as he attempted and recreated MS Dhoni’s iconic “helicopter shot.”
The clip, which has quickly gone viral among fans, shows the youngster confidently executing the whip-like finish that Dhoni made famous during his international and IPL career. The shot, known for its powerful wrist action and ability to clear boundaries even off yorkers, has long been considered one of cricket’s most recognisable innovations.
The timing of the clip has added to the buzz, coming just before a high-pressure encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur. Fans online were quick to draw comparisons with Dhoni, praising the youngster’s fearless approach while also acknowledging the difficulty of mastering such a signature shot.
Though Dhoni’s version of the helicopter shot remains unmatched in competitive cricket, Sooryavanshi’s recreation highlights how the next generation continues to draw inspiration from one of India’s greatest finishers.
As RR prepare for their crucial fixture, the moment has added a light-hearted yet exciting subplot, with supporters eager to see whether the youngster can translate his practice confidence into match-day performance.