U19 WC 2024: India U-19 Star Musheer Khan Recreates MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot vs New Zealand - WATCH

It has been nearly four years since Mahendra Singh Dhoni drew curtains on his illustrious international career but the 2011 World Cup-winning captain keeps influencing the young generation. The point was proven again when Musheer Khan recreated Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot during India’s first Super Six match in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, underway in South Africa.

It was an unforgettable occasion for Musheer, who became only the second India batter to register more than one century in the history of the tournament after Shikhar Dhawan. The right-handed, top-order batter struck 131 runs off 126 deliveries as India posted 295 runs on the board in the first innings.

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While Musheer’s knock was decorated with several classy strokes, one of them turned out to be special. In the first ball of the 45th over, the youngster came up with the helicopter shot as he smashed a monstrous six over the deep mid-wicket off New Zealand pacer Mason Clarke.

Musheer executed the shot so perfectly that it would have reminded fans of the Dhoni era. A clip of the well-timed shot was dropped on X (formerly Twitter) and became an instant hit, with fans drawing comparisons with Dhoni.

Musheer’s second century in this U-19 World Cup came a day after his brother Sarfaraz Khan earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming second Test against England, beginning on February 2 in Vizag. An injury issue of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul opened a vacancy at the top of the Indian batting order.

In the Super Six clash between India and New Zealand, the Black Caps faced a batting collapse in the second innings while chasing the 290-plus target at the Mangaung Oval. They were bundled out for 81 runs, which is also New Zealand’s lowest total by far in the U-19 World Cup. Following the commanding 214-run victory, India stayed at the top spot in Group 1 with six points in three matches.

Musheer Khan will hope to continue his good form as he has extended his lead as the highest run-scorer in the tournament with a total of 325 runs in the tournament so far.

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India on the other hand will look to cement their spot in the semi-finals as they take on Nepal at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. The Boys in Blue are already well in contention for a spot in the semis with their mammoth win over New Zealand which boosted their net run rate, but the win will guarantee their position.