Helmets have arguably had the biggest impact on batting. It has made the hook and pull shot playable without much risk of severe injury. In T20 it also makes shots like the ramp shot practical.
Certainly players practice the new shots ad infinitum to be able to play them in matches.
As you said, they also practice hitting the ball in the air a lot more and actively trying to hit sixes.
Certainly players practice the new shots ad infinitum to be able to play them in matches.
As you said, they also practice hitting the ball in the air a lot more and actively trying to hit sixes.