Best Cricket Bats in India – Reviews of Top 15 Bats from SG, Gray Nicolls, DSC [August, 2024]

Cricket is by far the most popular sport in India, with millions of fans following the game with passion and devotion. As such, there is great demand for high-quality cricket equipment, especially cricket bats, to aid enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this comprehensive blog, we compare and contrast the features and performances of the top 15 cricket bats in India to help you make an informed purchase decision.

From premium English willow bats for competitive matches to budget-friendly Kashmir willow bats for casual games and practice, you will discover the best suited cricket bat for fulfilling your needs. We highlight key specifications like size, weight, sweet spot, edges, profile and more for each cricket bat, along with pros, cons and expert opinions to simplify selection. Read on to find your best companion on the pitch!

1. SG Scorer Classic Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

The SG Scorer Classic cricket bat features a grade 1 Kashmir willow blade with a rich natural woodgrain finish. A Fiber Cane cone handle and durable split cane stickers provide additional reinforcement and protection. Ideal for amateur players and young, budding cricketers.

Key Features

• Ideal for causal matches and practice sessions
• Rich profile and edges for durability
• Nice sweet spot and balanced pickup
• Split cane stickers and Fiber Cane handle
• Optimal for first-time or beginner players

Our Expert Opinion

This wallet-friendly, value-for-money cricket bat from SG is suitable for recreational academy players or beginners looking to hone their batting skills. Well-built with affordable Kashmir willow, it provides decent shot speed and power. It may not last long under heavy, frequent usage but is decent considering the price point.

2. SG Sierra Plus Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

The SG Sierra Plus is a short handled cricket bat carved from grade 1 Kashmir willow. It comes pre-knocked with edges of approximately 16mm to 20mm thickness and sports Truflex stickers for enhanced durability. Weighing between 1.1kg to 1.2 kg, this bat offers fine balance and pick up.

Key Features

• Pre-knocked edges for better performance
• Lightweight design for easy control
• Mid pro file and cleft gel handle
• Durable Truflex stickers protect blade
• Sweet spot located around 8 inches

Our Expert Opinion

This SG bat is an excellent choice for juvenile players practicing rigorously to master their stroke play. While lighter than most English willow bats, it still packs enough power for aggressive shots both off front and back foot. The pre-knocked edges minimize early damage as well. Decent value for money.

3. DSC Belter Wood Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Short Handle Mens (Multicolour)

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Description

Crafted from finest grade 1 Kashmir willow, the DSC Belter displays an evenly textured natural wood grain on the face and pink Truflex stickers. It has an evenly balanced pickup weighing approximately 1.1kg for dynamic stroke play.

Key Features

• Short handle and mid profile blade
• Solid edges for power and durability
• Lightest short handle bat from DSC
• Sweet spot extends nearly 6 inches
• Designed for aggressive batting

Our Expert Opinion

The DSC Belter allows for superb control and maneuverability. While lightweight, the thick edges and mid profile body generate brilliant hitting power. A top choice for youngsters and smaller built players who play attacking shots or score quick, match-changing runs through gaps. However, it may not sustain heavy, full-blooded drives.

4. SG Max Cover Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

The Max Cover range stands for innovation and excellence by SG. This Max Cover bat sports an elegant two-color blade and a round handle for a classy, professional look. It is well-balanced with thick edges using high-quality Saravak cane and linen veneers for durability.

Key Features

• Premium grade 1 Kashmir willow
• Traditional Saravak cane handle
• Full profile and extended middle
• Toe guard for extra protection
• Ideal weight of 1.1 kg to 1.2 kg

Our Expert Opinion

This exquisite bat from SG is perfect for serious club players and professional cricketers. While pricey for a Kashmir willow bat, the exceptional craftsmanship and materials justify it. The traditional round handle offers superior control for playing textured shots. Overall an outstanding, stylish bat that checks all the boxes.

5. SG Hiscore Classic English Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the SG Hiscore Classic displays fine, even grains on its English willow blade. It sports a high spine, full profile and traditional closed back design for solid construction. Rubber coated SPR handle provides excellent grip and shock absorption.

Key Features

• English willow grade 1 blade
• Full profile and extended middle
• High spine for extra bounce
• Closed back design style
• Rubber coated handle

Our Expert Opinion

This magnificent bat from SG delivers an exceptional playing experience – more power, better rebounds and huge sweet spot. While expensive, the English willow offers unmatched performance and longevity over Kashmir willow for serious players. Ideal for club games and league matches. A top notch bat worth the investment for avid cricketers.

6. SG Prokick Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat with Fullcover – Short Handle Mens

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Description

The Prokick bat features an elegant Kashmir willow blade with grainy wooden texture and contrasting red veneers. The full body comes pre-taped with protective edges of larger thickness for extra durability and hitting power.

Key Features

• Grade A Kashmir willow
• Full profile blade shape
• Extended middle and edges
• SAR cane handle for control
• Factory tapped edges

Our Expert Opinion

The Prokick bat delivers satisfactory balance and pickup with decent hitting power – competent for casual matches and regular net practice. While factory edge tapping boosts durability, the Kashmir willow body may not withstand heavy club matches with forceful strokes. Better suited for amateur players given the price point.

7. SG Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

Carved from premium grade Kashmir willow wood, this simple yet elegant bat from SG has an uncolored natural finish. It comes with pre-fitted linen veneers on edges and a cane-twine grip on the handle for better moisture control.

Key Features

• Mid profile blade shape
• Lightweight design
• Factory fitted veneers
• Cane handle with twine
• Knocked in edges

Our Expert Opinion

The SG Kashmir Willow bat offers great value for recreational players and young beginners. Decently constructed with essential features like moisture-wicking grip and protective veneers. However, it lacks the finesse and quality craftsmanship of the premium SG bats. Better suited for casual street matches rather than club games.

8. SG Thunder Plus Cricket Bat, Short Handle, Popular Willow

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Description

The Thunder Plus bat sports an uniquely colored Popular willow blade with anti-scuff rubber edges for extra strength and durability even after prolonged usage. A perfumed Mendis handle provides sturdiness and comfort.

Key Features

• Grade A popular willow
• Colored blade design
• Low middle position
• Perfumed Mendis handle
• Anti-scuff edges

Our Expert Opinion

While cheaper than Kashmir willow, popular willow is quite heavy and lacks responsiveness. This Thunder Plus bat tries to compensate with a colored blade for visual appeal and anti-scuff treatment on edges to minimize wear and tear. Overall, strictly suitable only for amateur club players or regular practice given its many limitations.

9. Griffin Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Youth Size 6 Cricket Bat Chevron Grip Thick Edges Leather Ball Bat for 11-13 Year Old Kashmir Willow Bat for Cork Ball Youth

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Description

Exclusively crafted for budding young players aged 11 to 13 years, this Griffin Youth bat sports a lightweight Kashmir willow body with compact Chevron handle and high quality veneers. The short blade profile allows for easy maneuvering through tight gaps and spaces.

Key Features

• Youth size 6, short handle
• Lightweight contruction
• High quality veneers
• Optimal pick up angle
• Compact Chevron grip

Our Expert Opinion

Griffin offers premium youth bats tailored specifically to aid skill and technique development for youngsters graduating from tennis ball to leather cork ball cricket. Well balanced with ideal weight, thickness and handle design to suit growing hands. Highly recommended over ill-fitting adult bats to help realize true batting potential safely.

10. DSC Intense Force Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat

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Description

The Intense Force bat exhibits DSC’s quality craftsmanship – a finely textured Kashmir willow blade with contrasting veneers and angular handle in multiple shades. Weight is evenly distributed for stability while playing aggressive strokes.

Key Features

• Stylish youthful design
• Short blade and handle
• Light pick up weight
• Good shock absorption
• Ideal for U12 and U14 players

Our Expert Opinion

While more popular for its funky design palette aimed at youngsters, the Intense Force offers much more than visual appeal. Decently balanced and lightweight, it allows for both power and placement with a sufficiently large sweet spot. Match it with controlled swing and precise footwork to unleash its full potential both defensively and in attack.

11. KOOKABURRA Adult Cricket Bat KB Surge Pro 20, Popular Willow

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Description

The Surge Pro 20 bat from KOOKABURRA sports a sturdy Popular Willow blade and is ideal for hardcore net practice sessions. The bat comes factory tapped with anti-scuff shields on edges for enhanced longevity and performance. Weighs between 1.3kg to 1.2kg.

Key Features

• High grade Popular willow
• Toe guard and knock-in tape
• Power driven middle position
• Round handle with cloth grip
• Suitable for regular practice

Our Expert Opinion

While popular willow lacks the class and competence of English or Kashmir willow, KOOKABURRA compensates by integrating sufficient protective layers and shields to minimize damage. Decently balanced and weighted for controlled drives and aggressive hitting during routine practice. However, unsuitable for competitive matches at any serious level.

12. DSC Lava Kashmir Willow Short Handle Cricket Bat, Size – 6

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Description

Crafted especially for young emerging talents aged 10 to 12 years, the DSC Lava bat displays beautiful wood grains on premium Kashmir willow. Short, lightweight profile allows for easy handling and power generation through leverage.

Key Features

• Short handle, Size 6 bat
• Premium Kashmir willow
• Lightweight pick up
• High quality veneers
• Extensive sweet spot

Our Expert Opinion

An exceptional bat for young players with good technique looking to upgrade from tennis ball to leather ball cricket. Lightweight design allows for easy maneuvering in tight spaces while the short handle generates brilliant hand-eye coordination, flexion and power – preparing for future progression to full-sized bats. Highly recommended.

13. DSC Wildfire Kashmir Willow Tennis Cricket Bat

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Description

As the name suggests, the Wildfire bat is designed for aggressive hard tennis ball batting on streets and beaches. Short blade profile with equally short handle allows for dynamic bat swing and control.

Key Features

• Short Kashmir willow blade
• Short handle for leverage
• Lightweight balance
• High grade veneers
• Designed for tennis cricket

Our Expert Opinion

Durably constructed with good quality Kashmir willow and protective veneers, this bat delivers satisfactory bounce and momentum for casual tennis ball matches with equally aggressive strokes in return. However, unsuitable for serious leather ball cricket at any level given its customized design solely focused on tennis ball cricket dynamics and requirements.

14. DSC Catching Poplar Willow Practice Bat with Foam Base for Catching and Fielding Practice

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Description

With a Poplar willow body and foam base fitted below the handle, this bat from DSC helps improve catching and fielding skills through extensive practice, minimizing risk of injuries after misses.

Key Features

• Lightweight Poplar willow
• Foam base for safety
• Short blade profile
• Angled face and edges
• For fielding practice

Our Expert Opinion

A simple yet functional practice bat for both amateur and professional players to sharpen reflexes and hand-eye coordination needed to grab difficult catches and make quick stumpings and run outs. Sturdy and safe with foam, it facilitates prolonged fielding practice with tennis or leather balls. Highly recommended for cricket coaching academies.

15. DSC Wildfire Flame Kashmir Willow Tennis Cricket Bat Size – Mens

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Description

Crafted specially for tennis ball cricket, the Wildfire Flame bat packs a punch with its full-sized Kashmir willow blade. Combined with a lightweight short handle, it offers optimal balance through the swinging arc for maximum power and control.

Key Features

• Full profile Kashmir blade
• Short, lightweight handle
• High grade English veneers
• Extended sweet spot
• Ideal for tennis ball cricket

Our Expert Opinion

A beast in disguise for experienced tennis ball cricket players, the appropriately named Wildfire Flame generates explosive raw power unmatched by regular street batting bats with its construction and materials of choice. However, given its specialized design focus not suited for transition to serious hard ball cricket in club games and tournaments where technique matters more.

Comparison for Best Cricket Bats in India

How to Choose the Best Cricket Bat

• Determine usage and playing level – Pick between English willow, Kashmir willow or Popular willow bats based on the intensity and competitiveness of matches you play. Acquire appropriately.
• Select ideal size – Use height and age as a rough guideline for optimal length and handle style. Test bats by holding in batting stance.
• Check weight and balance – Lift a bat to gauge its pickup weight for your strength and swing style to generate requisite power and control.
• Inspect profile and edges – Check fullness of the middle; height and depth for desired strokeplay. Look for pre-treated edges if you want enhanced durability through training or practice.
• Evaluate craftsmanship – Gently tap the willow surface with knuckles and listen to the sound produced which determines wood quality, treatment and bonding with handle.
• Compare cost vs features – Try to find the ‘sweet spot’ between desired performance and viable budget.

Types of Cricket Bats

Based on Blade: English Willow – Premium grade for competitive matches; Kashmir willow – More affordable for beginners and casual play; Popular Willow – Cheapest, usually for net practice

Based on Size: Size 5 – Ideal for kids up to 4’8″ height; Size 6 – Standard adult bat for above 5’5″; Short/ Long Handle bats also available

Based on Cricket Type: Leather ball bats – regular cricket; Tennis ball bats – modified street cricket; Practice bats – specialized for fielding drills

Usage and Care Instructions

• Knock-in new bats before first use through gently tapping the middle with a hard cricket ball repeatedly. Apply oil coating after.
• Store upright to prevent warping of the blade. Ensure the stickers don’t peel off.
• Use bat mallet, grip cone or toe protector to minimize damage to tail or toe areas.
• Oil the blade periodically and let it absorb well. Avoid over-oiling near stickers or handle.
• Fix loose wooden joints between handle and blade early to increase longevity of bat.

FAQs about Best Cricket Bat

Q. Which bat is best for cricket?

The best cricket bats feature premium materials and construction for proper weight distribution, optimal pick up and an extended sweet spot. Some of the best options are:

• SG Hiscore Classic English Willow bat
• SG Max Cover with premium Kashmir willow
• DSC Belter with solid edges and lightweight
• SG Sierra Plus featuring a lightweight design

Q. Which wood is best for cricket bat?

The finest wood utilized in professional cricket bats is English willow which demonstrates lightness combined with strength for powerful rebounds. Grains run straight and even through the length of the blade. Other popular but affordable options are Kashmir willow and Popular willow.

Q. Which willow is best for cricket bat?

English willow sourced from Kent and Cambridge regions of Britain is considered the gold standard for cricket bats across all formats. The weather conditions and harvesting processes in England enable unparalleled wood properties ideal for crafting bats – light, stiff and shock-absorbent with natural grains.

Q. Which is the best cricket bat in the world?

Many experts concur that the SG Test match bat endorsed by champion Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is potentially the best bat in the world currently, followed by the Gray Nicolls Kaboom and Puma bats used by other international players. These offer premium English willow construction.

Q. Which bat is best for tennis ball cricket?

Bats specifically designed for tennis ball cricket feature shorter, lighter handles and equally curtailed blades to allow greater control and maneuverability while playing shots. Some top options are DSC Wildfire Flame, DSC Wildfire and SG Thunder Plus cricket bats.

Q. How much do good cricket bats cost?

A decent beginner’s cricket bat starts from Rs.500 for Popular Willow going up to Rs.1500-2000 for Kashmir Willow. Better bats with premium materials and professional grade construction can cost between Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000 based on craftsmanship. International players endorse branded bats that are the most expensive – upwards of Rs.50,000.

Q. Why are some cricket bats colored while some aren’t?

Originally, cricket bats featured the natural wood shades of the willow, which could vary from light to deep brown. These days, some manufacturers like SG and Puma add color tints or black coatings on cheaper Popular Willow bats to enhance looks. Premium bats always maintain an uncolored, wood finish.

Q. What are the benefits of a full profile bat?

A full profile bat has a high spine with equally curving, arched edges extending along the outline of the blade. This design allows for an expansive sweet spot and maximum wood behind the ball for terrific hitting power required during aggressive stroke play – drives, pulls, lofts, etc. Hence favored by attacking batsmen.

Q. Why Kashmir willow is cheaper than English willow for making cricket bats?

English willow is farmed under stringent supervision only in certain counties of England that facilitates straight, finer wood grains that lend excellent strength, lightness and recoil – highly valued for cricket bats. Comparatively, Kashmir willow is more freely available with slightly more variable quality and hence more cost effective.

Conclusion

Finding the best cricket bat to meet your requirements and budget is a very personal choice based on individual physique, technique and playing conditions. While there are general guidelines and recommendations we can provide through evaluating popular options, the final decision relies heavily on your instinctive feel upon physically testing out the bats. Experiment with different profiles, weights and handles allowable within your budget to find the one that seems like an extension of your arm when gripped. Check that it balances well through simulated shot making. Look for that elusive sweet spot where the ball pings perfectly off the middle with your signature shots during knock-ins. That’s when you’ll know which one is the best cricket bat for you!

We hope our detailed review of the top 15 cricket bats and their features enables you to narrow down on the ideal options to test out this selection process for yourself. Wishing you the very best to step out onto the field in confidence with the weapon of choice that empowers your batting style and skills to perfection.