A switch hit also called Palti Hit (Palti in Hindi refers to Reverse) is a modern cricket shot first used by Kevin Pietersen on 15 June 2008 in a one-day international against New Zealand when he effectively changed from a right-hander to a left-hander just before the ball is delivered by the bowler for the purpose of executing the shot.
It is a variation of the reverse sweep, in which the stance is changed during the bowler's delivery action, has been compared to switch-hitting in baseball. Australia's David Warner is a notable user of this shot and was endorsed to use a double-faced bat in 20twenty cricket. The shot has generated much debate in the cricket world, some heralding it as an outstanding display of skill and others arguing that if the batsman changes stance he gains an unfair advantage over the bowler because the field is set based on the batsman's initial stance at the crease.[1]
The shot was innovated by Kevin Pietersen using which he hit 2 sixes in the cover region. The shot is executed by changing stance from a right-handed to a left-handed batsman or vice-versa during the bowler's run-up and hitting it in the cover (midwicket to a left-hander) region. The shot generated quite some controversy with many questioning the legality of switch-hitting. Two fast bowling legends questioned the legality of Pietersen's switch-hit strokes. Michael Holding and Sir Richard Hadlee both suggested that the batsman gains an unfair advantage by effectively changing from a right-hander to a left-hander. The main argument was that the field placing is set for a right-handed batsman and this switch hitting can give a batsman undue advantage of field placement.
However, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), guardians of the laws of cricket, have confirmed they will not legislate against the switch shot and cited that the shot was perfectly legal in accordance with cricketing laws.[2] The MCC believes that the 'switch-hit' stroke is exciting for the game of cricket. The MCC highlighted Law 36.3 which defines the off side of the striker's wicket as being determined by his stance at the moment the bowler starts his run-up.[3] However, the MCC accepted that implications remained for both the interpretation of the law and wide rules by a batsman attempting a "switch-hit".