The Art of Cricket Bats: From Willows to World-Famous Brands

Introduction

Cricket, a game with deep-rooted traditions, requires its players to use high-quality equipment to perform at their best. The choice of a good cricket bat is paramount, as it can significantly influence a player's game. Nowadays, the best bats are carved from English willow, and are prized for the seamless combination of quality wood, weight, and balance. These bats, although expensive, are chosen for their performance benefits. For pro cricketers, these bats often come with sponsorship deals, allowing them to use the latest models without financial strain. However, for the general public, the cost typically ranges from Rs 30,000 to 40,000 from manufacturers, and upwards of Rs 100,000 from distributors.

Top Pro Cricket Bats and Their Brands

Pro cricketers are quite particular about the bats they use, often relying on top-tier brands that offer them the best in performance. Here is a look at some of the top players and the brands they use:

Virat Kohli

MRF Genius Grand

Rohit Sharma

CEAT

Babar Azam

HS 41

Cheteshwar Pujara

SG

Steven Smith

New Balance

David Warner

SPARTAN

Kane Williamson

GRAY NICOLLS

Eoin Morgan

SF

Shimron Hetmyer

SS TON

Quinton de Kock

GM

Jos Buttler

Kookaburra

Image Courtesy: Google

Top Manufacturers of Cricket Bats

Several companies compete in the cricket bat manufacturing market. These include:

Sareen Sports or SS

Sareen Sports, also known as TON India, is a prominent manufacturer of cricket bats.

Sanspareils Greensman SG

Sanspareils Greensman SG, based in India, is another leading brand in the cricket bat market.

Kookaburra

Kookaburra, based in Australia, is famous for its high-quality bails, stumps, and bats.

Gray Nicolls

Gray Nicolls, a UK-based company, is renowned for its innovative and high-performance cricket bats.

Gunn and Moore / GM

Gunn and Moore, also known as GM, is another British brand known for its durable and reliable cricket bats.

Spartan

Spartan, an Australian brand, is a trusted name in the cricket bat industry.

Stanford Cricket / SF

Stanford Cricket, based in India, is a reputable manufacturer of cricket gear, including bats.

Beat All Sports / BAS / Vampire

Beat All Sports, also known as BAS or Vampire, is a well-known brand in India that produces a range of cricket equipment.

Puma

Puma, a German company, is emerging as a significant player in the cricket bat market.

Adidas

Adidas, another German brand, is also making a name for itself in the cricket bat industry.

Slazenger

Slazenger, a UK-based company, is famous for its quality cricket gear, including bats.

CA

CA, or Carl Aarons, is a brand that has produced bats for legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Although these bats are made in Pakistan, the brand does not receive recognition from the players.

Conclusion

The choice of a cricket bat can greatly impact a player's performance, and pro cricketers often rely on high-quality, specialized bats to achieve their best results. Whether it's the timeless elegance of English willow or the cutting-edge technology of modern brands, the bat is a crucial part of any cricketer's arsenal. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a casual enthusiast, understanding the various cricket bat brands and their materials can help you make informed decisions about your own equipment.