Cricket in India is not just a sport; it is revered as a religion with iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, M S Dhoni, and Virat Kohli forming a pantheon of cricketing Gods. The passion for cricket in India drives the global cricket economy, making India an undeniable force in the world of cricket. Apart from being a major driving force in the cricketing economy, India also produces some of the finest cricket bats.
| Our Recommendations | Buy on Amazon |
| 1. DSC Condor Scud Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat | View on Amazon |
| 2. New balance Balance DC-280 Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat | View on Amazon |
| 3. MRF Genius Grand Edition Virat Kohli | View on Amazon |
Also check out Swami’s take on The Best Cricket Shoes That You Can Buy Online in India
Top Cricket Bats and Bat Manufacturers in India
In this article, we present a guide to buying the best cricket bats available online in India. If you examine the top 10 or even top 5 cricket bats worldwide, you will find that Indian-made bats dominate the list. Here, we focus on bats that fall within the INR 1000 to 4000 price range, catering to young, passionate cricketers who seek both quality and value.
India stands tall as one of the largest manufacturers of cricket goods, alongside Pakistan. The key hubs for the Indian sports industry are Jalandhar, Meerut, and Delhi, with a select few companies dominating the market. Among the notable cricket bat manufacturers in India and the world are B.D.Mahajan & Sons (BDM), Sunspareil Greenlands (SG), Sareen Sports (SS), Beat All Sports (BAS), and Spartan.
Also check out Swami’s take on Best Hiking Shoes That You Can Buy Online in India
Types of Cricket Bats – English Willow/Kashmir Willow & Popular Willow
In India, cricket enthusiasts are divided between tennis ball cricket and leather ball cricket. The former calls for lightweight bats made of popular willow sourced locally, while the latter demands proper cricket bats made of either Kashmir willow sourced locally or English willow imported from England. English willow bats tend to be more expensive but offer superior performance compared to Kashmir willow bats. For those seeking a balance between cost and quality, good grade Kashmir willow bats are ideal for beginners and mid to senior-level players. Serious players and professionals at club level and above should opt for English willow bats. Popular willow bats are designed specifically for tennis ball cricket.
Also check out Swami’s take on The Best Cricket Kits You Can Buy Online in India
Selecting A Cricket Bat – Price, Weight, Pickup and Other Things to Look For
Before finalizing your ideal cricket bat, it’s crucial to consider factors like weight, balance, and the number of grains on the blade to ensure a comfortable fit.
Weight
Modern cricket bats, although heavy, are meticulously designed for excellent balance. A well-designed cricket bat should offer a great pickup and feel well-balanced when held in the proper stance, neither bottom-heavy nor top-heavy.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot, which represents the ideal area to strike the ball, should align with your playing style. In Indian conditions, the sweet spots are crafted from the middle to the lower part of the bat due to the low bounce. This explains why cricket bats are curved and have a thicker bottom.
Grains
The grains on a cricket bat indicate the age of the willow and appear as straight lines running along the face of the bat vertically. More grains indicate older willow, and vice versa. An older willow may have lesser cushioning and rebound off the bat, but it will have a shorter knock-in period (explained later in the article) and be ready for use more quickly. However, it may also have reduced durability. On the other hand, bats with fewer grains require more careful seasoning, but they will last longer and provide better cushioning while driving. For a professional cricket bat, around 6 to 12 grains with minimal blemishes in the wood are considered ideal.
Also check out Swami’s take on Best Running Shoes in India
Best Kashmir Willow Cricket Bats
Kashmir willow cricket bats, made from willow trees grown in Kashmir, offer an affordable option priced under 2000 rupees, making them much more budget-friendly than English willow bats.
These bats are most suitable for leather ball and hard tennis ball play, making them an excellent choice for beginners and mid-level club players.
1. DSC Condor Scud Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat
DSC, short for Deluxe Sports Company, is a renowned manufacturer of cricket bats. The Condor Scud is a top-quality Kashmir willow cricket bat, specifically designed for beginners and mid-level club players, and it comes at an attractive price point under 2000 rupees. DSC claims to use Energy Profile – I innovation, which enhances power transfer during impact, giving you an edge in your game. Notably, international players like Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings all-rounder), Jason Holder of West Indies, Colin Munro of New Zealand, and Moses Enriquez trust and use DSC brand bats.
2. SS Kashmir Willow Leather Ball Cricket Bat
SS, standing for Sareen Sports, is a leading brand in the cricket world, offering a comprehensive range of cricket goods, including kits, bats, balls, gloves, and other accessories. The SS Ton, one of their popular models, stands out as the best option under 1500 rupees in India. This bat has gained immense popularity, even among international players. Present-day Indian cricket stars like M.S. Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan have used SS Ton brand bats, and it has also been endorsed by legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Gautam Gambhir in the past.
3. SG RSD Spark Short Handle Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat
SG, which stands for Sanspareils Greenlands, is one of India’s largest cricket gear manufacturers known for producing high-quality bats with an impeccable finish. The RSD Spark is no exception. Its finesse in driving makes it a favorite among players. Cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Rahul Dravid, as well as current stars like Shane Watson, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant, have all used or continue to use SG bats, showcasing their reliability and performance on the field.
Best Medium Priced English Willow Cricket Bats
English willow bats, crafted from imported willow grown in England, offer superior performance compared to Kashmir willow bats, making them the preferred choice for leather cricket balls, especially in professional leagues and clubs. With their lighter weight and enhanced rebound, English willow bats are the go-to option for all test level and international matches.
4. New balance Balance DC-280 Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat
Hailing from an Australian brand but now also manufactured in India, the New Balance DC-280 is a remarkable cricket bat with a large sweet spot, constructed from grade 2 English Willow. Arguably the best cricket bat in India under 10000 rupees, this bat boasts some of the most extensive edges, making executing cut shots a breeze. Renowned international players like Aaron Finch and Steve Smith of Australia, Joe Root and Ben Stokes of England, David Miller of South Africa, and Colin Munro of New Zealand trust and wield this top-quality cricket bat.
5. SS Custom English Willow Cricket Bat
Sareen Sports (SS), a well-known cricket goods manufacturer, presents the SS Custom English Willow bat, undoubtedly the best cricket bat under 5000 rupees in India. The SS Ton range of cricket bats from their English willow collection is highly sought after by professionals for their outstanding performance. International players such as Keiron Pollard and Evin Lewis of West Indies, Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq of Pakistan, and Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden of Australia have relied on the SS brand English Willow cricket bats.
6. BDM Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat
B.D.Mahajan & Sons (BDM) is a highly respected cricket bat manufacturer based in Meerut, India, with a legacy of excellence. Their Dynamic Power and other Kashmir willow bats are renowned for their quality and durability. Among their impressive offerings, the BDM Kashmir Willow bat currently stands out as the best under 25000 rupees. With the rich heritage of being one of India’s oldest bat manufacturers, BDM crafts this bat using high-quality Kashmir Willow wood.
Best Junior/Kids Cricket Bats
Just like cricketers, cricket bats come in various sizes to suit young players of different ages and heights. Below is a helpful chart that outlines the appropriate bat size for each age group. For instance, a 3-year-old or 4-year-old would benefit from a Size 1 bat, while a 6-year-old would do well with a Size 2 bat.
Manufacturers usually produce bats in all sizes, ranging from Junior size 1 to size 6, as well as the Harrow size, which falls between size 6 and the regular full-size bat.
You can refer Amazon’s comprehensive guide to bat sizes and other important information to understand better about what makes these the best cricket bats.
7. Spartan MSD Edition Grade 5 English Willow Cricket Bat
Spartan, an Australian sports goods manufacturer known for providing great value for money, offers this Grade 5 English Willow Cricket Bat. Endorsed by top cricketers like M.S. Dhoni, this bat is affordable and suitable for adult players. It stands out as the best cricket bat under 5000 rupees available in India.
8. BAS Vampire Bullet Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bat
BAS, also known as Beat All Sports, is a reputable sports goods manufacturer renowned in both cricket and hockey circles. Their brand of cricket bats, named Vampire, is celebrated for their finesse. The Vampire Bullet bat is perfect for 9-year-old and 10-year-old kids, ensuring a great start to their cricketing journey. M.S. Dhoni is currently associated with BAS Vampire bats, and Virat Kohli has also used this brand in the past.
9. GM Six6 Bullet English Willow Cricket Bat
Gunn & Moore (GM), the largest manufacturer of cricket bats in England, presents the Six6 Bullet Cricket Bat, an excellent choice for 12-year-old kids who are becoming more serious about their cricketing pursuits. This bat from GM is a sure winner, providing young cricketers with a reliable and high-quality tool for their game.
Best Multipurpose Bat for Leather Ball and Hard Tennis Ball
For those who play cricket casually with either a cricket ball or a tennis ball, the MRF Genius Grand Edition Virat Kohli bat is a top recommendation. Endorsed by Virat Kohli himself, this multi-purpose cricket bat is made of poplar willow, making it suitable for leather ball play. It’s an ideal choice for casual players and stands out as the best bat under 2000 rupees in India.
10. MRF Genius Grand Edition Virat Kohli
The Genius Grand is a multi-purpose cricket bat from MRF is Virat Kohli endorsed and carries his signature in the sticker. It is made of poplar willow, which means it is best suitable for leather ball.
This cricket bat is ideal for casual players and is the best one under 2000 in India.
Other Famous Cricket Bat Brands
Cricket bats are manufactured in various countries, including India, Pakistan, England, Australia, and New Zealand, by a plethora of world-class manufacturers. Here’s a brief guide to some other top cricket bat brands of the world that were not reviewed but are available in India.
Also check out Swami’s take on The Best Football Boots That You Can Buy Online In India
11. Kookaburra Cricket Bat
Kookaburra cricket bats, named after a kingfisher species, are crafted in Australia by Kookaburra Sport. Renowned for their quality, they have gained popularity among top-notch Australian cricketers. Kookaburra cricket balls are the most widely used balls in international cricket.
Prominent cricketers using Kookaburra bats include Jos Buttler, the destructive English wicketkeeper-batsman; Mike Hussey of Chennai Super Kings and Australia; Glenn Maxwell, the chief destroyer in the current Australian team; the supremely talented South African batsman, AB de Villiers; and Adam Gilchrist, the most successful wicketkeeper-batsman of all time.
Surridge Sport
Established in 1867 by Percy Stuart Surridge in England, this company is credited with innovating reinforced toe ends for cricket bats to enhance their durability. Surridge Sport has a rich history and pedigree in cricket manufacturing. The hanging SS logo was a familiar sight for players in the 1980s.
They are not visible in the Indian market much nowadays and our own SS brand has taken over the market by storm! Their bats are only available from the Stuart Surridge website.
RN Sports
Legend has it that during the 1997 Pepsi Independence Cup series between India and Pakistan, Saeed Anwar, the Pakistani cricketer, randomly picked up an RNS bat from a sports shop in Chennai and went on to score 194 runs against India at Chepauk, setting a world record at the time. This remarkable feat led to a surge in the brand’s popularity.
The brand though is not very visible on Amazon but continues to sell well. Their range is called Larsons. Their bats are only available from the RNS Larsons
SF Cricket
Stanford Cricket, known as SF, is an Indian cricket goods manufacturing company with a global presence, including England. Their impressive range of cricket bats includes the Glitz, Sapphire, and Black Edition, among others.
Famous cricketers like Mahela Jayawardene and Daniel Vettori, former captains of Sri Lanka and New Zealand respectively, along with Eoin Morgan, the current captain of the English one-day team, are known to use SF range of bats.
Also check out Swami’s take on Best Basketball Shoes in India
How to Take Care of Your Cricket Bat
Now that we’ve explored the best cricket bats available in India, let’s dive into the essential aspects of taking care of your cricket bat.
Prepare your bat before you use it!
A cricket bat is crafted from willow wood, specifically chosen for its fibrous nature and excellent rebound properties with minimal shock. However, all cricket bats require proper preparation or “seasoning” before regular use to avoid damage and ensure peak performance over an extended period. Here’s how you can take care of your bat:
Oiling a Cricket Bat
The first step involves applying raw linseed oil in a couple of coats to the front and back of the bat, allowing it to dry. Use a cloth dipped in linseed oil to gently dab the bat, allowing the wood to settle and bind.
Linseed oil is available from Amazon here
Knocking in or Seasoning a Cricket Bat
After oiling, use a wooden mallet or a ball mallet to gently tap down the edges and playing face of the bat. This process blunts the edges, prevents wood splintering upon ball impact, and enhances the bat’s driving power.
Let us now take a look at the following two videos to better understand the process of knocking in a cricket bat.
You can get mallets from Amazon here
Also check out Swami’s take on Best Badminton Shoes In India
Protect Your Bat while you use it!
Cricket bats endure rough treatment during regular play, including dust, moisture, and constant impact from the cricket ball. To protect your bat and extend its lifespan, consider the following add-ons:
Toe Guard
Install specialized rubber strips as a toe guard to prevent the bat from absorbing ground moisture, swelling, and splitting. It also protects the bat from damage caused by “yorkers” hitting the toe end.
1. Face Protection Tape
Apply a tape on the face of the bat to safeguard it from moisture and maintain its structural integrity. High-quality tapes are available on Amazon, and they are usually applied vertically in strips to cover the bat face.
2. Handle Rubber Grips
A crucial accessory, a rubber grip for the handle prevents shock, ensures a secure grip during strokes, and prevents the bat from slipping out of your hands, reducing the risk of damage.
Most cricket bat manufacturers offer their own brand of handle grips, which you can easily find on Amazon.
5 Things to Keep in Mind when you buy a bat
- Verify Authenticity: Always ensure that the bat you are purchasing is original, either directly from the manufacturer or from a reputable seller. Check seller ratings and reviews to gauge their credibility.
- Watch for Look-Alikes: Be vigilant for small variations in spelling or branding, as these could be signs of counterfeit bats. For example, be cautious of bats with names like MRF vs. WRF.
- Select the Right Size: Refer to the size guide to choose the correct bat size based on your age and height. A bat that suits your physical attributes will enhance your performance.
- Don’t Forget Protection Gear: To extend the life of your bat, don’t neglect investing in protective gear. Items like toe guards and face protection tape can safeguard your bat from wear and tear.
- Follow Bat Care Instructions: Properly follow the bat care instructions provided by the manufacturer. By being proactive in caring for your bat, you can prolong its lifespan and get the most value out of your investment.
Also check out Swami’s take on the Best Badminton Rackets in India
Thank you for reading our review. We hope you found it valuable.
With insights into the best cricket bats available in India, we wish you the best of luck with your purchase! Choose the bat that suits you best, and may you have a fantastic innings on the cricket field!
Featured Image of Sachin Tendulkar by: Pulkit Sinha
About the Author
Senthil is a sports nut and played cricket actively at district league level. He also used to run a sports shop, specializing in cricket goods with first-hand experience in picking the best cricket bats. He has visited almost all the leading manufacturers of sports goods in India. In this article, he uses his firsthand knowledge of cricket bats to offer some sound advice on your purchase.
