5 Best No Look Shots In Cricket (Hardik Pandya Special)

In the world of cricket, where precision and technique usually reign supreme, no-look shots stand out as moments of extraordinary brilliance. 

These audacious strokes, executed without direct visual contact with the ball at impact, showcase a player’s instinct, muscle memory, and deep understanding of the game. 

From T20 cricket to Test matches, no-look shots have carved their niche, demonstrating not just showmanship but a calculated risk born of confidence and skill. 

This article explores the best no-look shots in cricket, knowing about the players who’ve mastered this art, the situations that call for such daring, and the impact these shots have had on the sport!

Best No-look Shots In Cricket

The following table highlights some of the most memorable no-look shots in recent cricket history, showcasing the diverse contexts in which these audacious strokes have been executed:

Player	Shot Against	Shot Result
Hardik Pandya	Bangladesh (T20I, October 2024)	Four
Andre Fletcher	Brisbane Heat (Big Bash League, December 2020)	Six
MS Dhoni	New Zealand (ODI, March 2009)	Six
Washington Sundar	Australia (Test, January 2021)	Six
Rashid Khan	Ireland (T20I, March 2024)	Six

Each of these shots represents a unique moment of cricketing brilliance, combining skill, timing, and sheer audacity.

Best No Look Shots And Who Shot Them?

Let’s look deeper into the specifics of each of these remarkable no-look shots, exploring the context, execution, and impact of these cricketing marvels:

1. Hardik Pandya’s No-Look Shot Against Bangladesh (2024)

The stunning no-look shot from Hardik Pandya came during the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on October 6, 2024, and has quickly became a viral sensation. This audacious stroke not only showcased Pandya’s skill but also symbolized his resurgence as a key player for the Indian cricket team. 

The shot came at a crucial time when India was chasing a target of 128, demonstrating Pandya’s ability to dominate in high-pressure situations.

Facing Taskin Ahmed, Pandya executed a remarkable ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head. What made this shot extraordinary was that Pandya didn’t look at the ball as it left his bat, and kept on chewing his gum as if nothing happened, as the ball went for a four. 

Watch this amazing no-look Hardik Pandya shot here. 

He watched the ball until it reached his chest, then arched his upper body to create space for his hands. With a deft touch, he guided the ball over the keeper, all while keeping his eyes fixed on the ground. The ball, traveling at nearly 132 km/h, was expertly maneuvered for a boundary, leaving both the bowler and spectators in awe.

2. Andre Fletcher’s No-Look Shots

Andre Fletcher, the West Indian batsman, has become synonymous with the no-look six in T20 cricket. While he may not have invented the shot, Fletcher has certainly been one of its most prominent and frequent exponents, helping to popularize it across various T20 leagues worldwide. 

His consistent execution of this shot has made it a trademark of his batting style and a crowd-pleasing spectacle.

Andre Fletcher's signature no-look six is our Sky365 magic moment

#SLKvSKNP #CricketPlayedLouder #CPL24 #BiggestPartyInSport #Sky365 pic.twitter.com/rk6zKHQfzo

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 12, 2024

Fletcher’s no-look six is characterized by its flamboyance and apparent ease. Typically, he reads the length of the ball early, gets into position quickly, and then whacks the ball, usually over the leg side. 

The defining feature of Fletcher’s shot is his eye-catching follow-through – after making contact, he often turns his head away from the ball’s trajectory, sometimes even looking directly at the bowler. This adds a psychological element to the shot, intimidating the bowler while thrilling spectators.

Notable Instances:

• Big Bash League 2020-21: One of Fletcher’s most memorable no-look sixes came while playing for Melbourne Stars against Brisbane Heat. He read the length early, got into position, and launched the ball out of the ground without watching its flight. This shot particularly impressed commentators Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee.
• Caribbean Premier League: Fletcher has executed this shot multiple times in the CPL, making it a regular feature of his innings and contributing to his reputation as an entertainer as well as a batsman.
• Other T20 Leagues: Fletcher has replicated this shot in various other leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, cementing his status as a global T20 specialist with a penchant for the spectacular.

3. MS Dhoni’s No-Look Six Against New Zealand (2009)

MS Dhoni’s no-look six against New Zealand in 2009 is often considered one of the earliest and most memorable instances of this audacious shot in international cricket. It occurred during the first ODI of India’s tour of New Zealand at McLean Park, Napier, on March 3, 2009. 

This shot not only showcased Dhoni’s innovative batting style but also his confidence and ability to dominate bowlers in unconventional ways.

During his innings of 84 not out off 89 balls, Dhoni faced a delivery from a left-arm spinner. As the ball approached, Dhoni got into position early, planted his front foot, and swung his bat with immense power. 

The defining feature of this shot was that Dhoni turned his head away from the ball just before making contact, looking towards square leg instead of watching the ball. Despite not directly watching the ball at impact, Dhoni’s impeccable timing and power sent the ball soaring over the boundary for a six.

4. Washington Sundar’s No-Look Six Against Australia (2021)

Washington Sundar’s no-look six occurred during the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, on January 17, 2021. This shot came during Sundar’s debut Test match, making it even more remarkable. 

It was a crucial moment in the match as India was trying to reduce Australia’s first-innings lead.

In the 104th over of India’s first innings, facing off-spinner Nathan Lyon, Sundar executed a magnificent no-look six. Lyon bowled a flighted delivery on the off-stump line, but Sundar was ready. He got into position early, moving across his stumps to create room. With impeccable timing and immense power, Sundar unleashed a slog sweep that sent the ball soaring. 

The notable feature of this shot was Sundar’s unwavering focus – he didn’t look at the ball after making contact. Instead, he kept his head down and eyes fixed on the pitch.

5. Rashid Khan’s No-Look Six Against Ireland (2024)

Rashid Khan executed a stunning no-look six during the 2nd T20I between Afghanistan and Ireland at Sharjah on March 17, 2024. This shot came as Rashid was making a comeback to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff, showcasing that he had lost none of his flair or power-hitting ability.

In the 18th over of Afghanistan’s innings, facing fast bowler Barry McCarthy, Rashid played an audacious no-look six. McCarthy bowled a low full-toss on the leg stump.

Rashid stayed still in his crease and flicked the ball with immense power towards deep fine-leg.

He did not follow the ball’s trajectory after hitting it, and held his pose, looking straight ahead rather than turning to watch the ball sail over the boundary.

Historical Overview Of No Look Shots In Cricket

The no-look shot, while seemingly a modern cricket innovation, has roots that stretch back to the sport’s earlier days. 

However, it’s in the last few decades that this audacious technique has truly come into its own, especially in the fast-moving formats of cricket like the T20s. 

Origins And Popularization Of The No Look Shot In Cricket

The exact origins of the no-look shot are difficult to pinpoint, as creative batsmen have likely been experimenting with unconventional techniques since cricket’s inception. 

However, the shot gained significant prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, coinciding with the rise of more aggressive batting styles in limited-overs cricket from creative batsmen like: 

• Virendra Sehwag
• Mohammad Azharuddin
• AB de Villiers

Key Elements Of A No-Look Shot

Executing a no-look shot is a complex interplay of various skills and factors. Understanding these elements helps us appreciate the difficulty and brilliance of these shots.

Technical Aspects

1. Stance and Balance: A stable stance and excellent balance are the foundations of a successful no-look shot. Batsmen must be able to adjust their body position quickly without losing stability.
2. Footwork: Precise footwork is crucial. Players often use a strong base to generate power or quick feet to maneuver into position, even as they look away from the ball.
3. Bat Speed and Control: Maintaining high bat speed while ensuring precise control is a delicate balance that separates great no-look shots from mere lucky swings.
4. Point of Contact: Despite not looking directly at the ball, batsmen must have an innate sense of where the sweet spot of their bat is in relation to the incoming delivery.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-eye coordination is perhaps the most critical element in executing a no-look shot. Batsmen rely on:

• Peripheral Vision: The ability to track the ball’s trajectory without direct focus.
• Muscle Memory: Repeated practice allows players to instinctively position their hands and bat correctly.
• Spatial Awareness: Understanding the position of their body, bat, and ball in three-dimensional space.

Bat Placement

Correct bat placement is essential for a successful no-look shot:

• Angle of the Bat: Players must adjust the bat’s angle to account for the ball’s line and length, often relying on feel rather than sight.
• Follow-Through: A full follow-through helps direct the ball and generate power, even when the batsman isn’t watching the point of contact.

Timing

Timing is the x-factor that turns a well-executed no-look shot into a spectacular one:

• Reading the Bowler: Batsmen must anticipate the delivery based on the bowler’s action and field placements.
• Split-Second Decisions: The decision to play a no-look shot often comes at the last moment, requiring lightning-fast reflexes.
• Rhythm: Being in sync with the game’s flow allows batsmen to time their shots perfectly, even without direct visual input at the point of contact.

By mastering these elements and, of course – “Confidence,” cricketers can add the no-look shot to their skillset.

Conclusion: Hardik Pandya Has Shot The Most Stunning No-look Shot In Cricket

The no-look shot in cricket represents the perfect blend of skill, confidence, and showmanship. From its early pioneers to modern masters such as MS Dhoni, Andre Fletcher, and Hardik Pandya, this audacious stroke has evolved from a rare spectacle to a legitimate tactical weapon in a batsman’s arsenal.

As we’ve explored through the various examples, the no-look shot is far more than mere flair and luck. It requires an exceptional combination of technical prowess, hand-eye coordination, and split-second decision-making. 

The ability to execute such a shot under pressure speaks volumes about a player’s mastery over their craft and mental fortitude. The impact of these shots extends beyond the immediate runs scored. They can demoralize bowlers, electrify crowds, and shift the momentum of a match in an instant. 

In high-stakes situations, like World Cups or crucial league matches, a well-timed no-look shot can become the stuff of cricketing legend, etched in fans’ memories for generations.