Best Cricket Bat Brands 2026: Complete Buying Guide

Choosing a cricket bat is one of the most important decisions a player makes. The bat brand, willow type, weight, and grade all affect how the ball comes off the face, how long the bat lasts, and how comfortable it feels during a long innings. This guide covers every major brand available, breaks down the willow types, explains the grading system, and organizes recommendations by price tier so you can find the right bat for your game and budget. We verify all specifications against manufacturer listings and retailer data, as described in our research methodology.

Which cricket bat brands are the best?

SS (Sareen Sports) has been manufacturing bats in Meerut, India since 1969. The company produces over 500,000 bats annually, according to industry reports, making it one of the largest bat manufacturers in the world. Their Ton range is the flagship line, used by players like Virat Kohli in earlier seasons. SS bats are known for thick edges and large sweet spots. The SS Ton Player Edition retails from approximately 2,500 INR for Kashmir willow to over 25,000 INR for top-grade English willow.

SG (Sanspareils Greenlands), also based in Meerut, has operated since 1931. SG supplies the official match balls for Indian domestic cricket, giving the brand institutional credibility. Sachin Tendulkar used SG bats for much of his career. SG bats emphasize balance and traditional profiles. Their Sunny Gold is a mid-range bestseller.

GM (Gunn and Moore), founded in Nottingham in 1885, is one of cricket’s oldest brands. GM bats are used across English county cricket. The Diamond range sits at the premium tier. GM’s DXM technology uses different willow densities across the blade for a larger hitting zone, according to the GM official site.

Gray-Nicolls, established in 1855, is arguably the oldest surviving cricket bat brand. The company has made bats for players across multiple generations, including David Gower, Mark Waugh, and Kane Williamson. Their Legend and Predator ranges cover the premium segment.

Kookaburra, an Australian brand founded in 1890, manufactures the white ball used in all ICC ODI and T20I matches. Their bats feature a distinctive short handle and rounded profile. Ricky Ponting and Mitchell Starc have been Kookaburra endorsers. The Beast and Kahuna lines are their current flagships.

MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) does not manufacture bats directly but contracts production and applies their branding. Virat Kohli currently uses MRF-branded bats, reportedly made by a custom bat maker to his specifications. MRF bats are available commercially from around 4,000 INR to over 30,000 INR.

Spartan, a relatively newer brand from Australia, gained prominence through endorsements with MS Dhoni and Michael Clarke. Spartan bats tend to have thick profiles with large edges. Their CG range targets the mid-to-premium market.

English willow vs Kashmir willow: which should you choose?

The fibrous structure of English willow allows the ball to compress into the blade on contact, creating a trampoline effect that generates more power with less effort. This is why professional cricketers universally use English willow for first-class and international cricket. The ICC does not mandate willow type, but no international player uses Kashmir willow in matches.

Kashmir willow performs well for tennis-ball cricket because the softer ball does not require the same responsive wood. For a beginner learning basic batting stance and shot selection, a Kashmir willow bat in the 2,000-4,000 INR range is the practical choice. Upgrading to English willow makes sense once you play regularly with a leather ball.

How does the bat grading system work?

Grade 1 English willow bats use clefts with the straightest grain structure, minimal discoloration, and the cleanest timber. These command prices above 15,000 INR and frequently exceed 30,000 INR for branded options. The number of grains does not directly determine quality. What matters is that grains are straight, evenly spaced, and run the full length of the blade.

Grade 2 bats have slight imperfections, perhaps minor blemishes or slightly less straight grains. Performance difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 is often negligible for club-level players. Grade 2 typically sits in the 8,000-18,000 INR range. Grade 3 and Grade 4 bats show more pronounced blemishes and may have sapwood or red marks. They are functional for practice and lower-level matches.

Kashmir willow is not graded on the same system. Manufacturers may label their Kashmir willow bats as A, B, or C grade, but this varies between brands and has no standardized meaning.

Which bat should you buy at each price point?

For a detailed breakdown of the best options at the entry-to-mid price point, see our dedicated guide on the best cricket bats under 5,000 INR. If you are also looking for footwear to go with your bat, our cricket shoes guide covers the best options for batsmen and bowlers.

What bat weight and size should you pick?

Bat size follows a standard chart based on height. Adults over 5 feet 9 inches typically use a full-size (Size Harrow or Size 6) bat with a handle length of about 12 inches and a blade length of approximately 21.5 inches. Junior sizes range from Size 1 (for 4-foot players) to Size 5 (for players around 5 feet 4 inches).

The MCC Laws of Cricket restrict the bat blade to a maximum width of 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) and a maximum depth of 2.64 inches (6.7 cm). Edge thickness is not explicitly regulated but most manufacturers keep edges between 35 mm and 42 mm.

Heavier bats generate more power but reduce bat speed. Opening batsmen who face the new ball often prefer bats in the 1,200-1,300 gram range for solid defense and drives. T20 specialists sometimes go lighter, around 1,100-1,200 grams, for faster bat speed through the stroke. Top-order batsmen like Virat Kohli reportedly use bats around 1,150-1,200 grams, according to ESPNCricinfo features.

How should you care for your cricket bat?

Apply two to three light coats of raw linseed oil to the face, edges, and toe of the bat. Do not oil the splice or handle. Each coat should absorb for at least 24 hours. After oiling, begin knocking in with a bat mallet or old leather ball. Start gently on the face and gradually increase force. Work the edges carefully as they are the most vulnerable area.

Store the bat horizontally in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a car boot where temperatures fluctuate. Use an anti-scuff sheet on the face to protect against surface damage during play. Check the toe regularly and apply toe guard tape to prevent moisture damage from damp outfields.

Kashmir willow bats require less knocking in but still benefit from light oiling and a brief knock-in period. Cracks in Kashmir willow can be repaired with wood glue and binding twine, though badly cracked bats should be replaced.

What do the best brands offer that cheaper ones do not?

A premium bat handle contains 12 to 16 strips of Sarawak cane with rubber insertions between layers. This construction dampens vibration on off-center hits and protects the batsman’s hands during long innings. Cheaper bats often use solid cane handles without rubber layers, which transmit more shock.

Established brands also control their willow supply chains. SS and SG have their own willow processing facilities in Meerut. GM sources willow from dedicated English plantations. This control over raw materials lets them select better clefts and reject substandard timber before it reaches the production line.

Unbranded or generic bats can perform adequately at low price points but often suffer from inconsistent weight distribution, poorly shaped profiles, and lower quality handles. For casual and tennis-ball cricket, this matters less. For competitive leather-ball play, investing in a recognized brand from the 5,000 INR tier upward makes a meaningful difference in feel and performance.

• Which cricket bat brand does Virat Kohli use?

  Virat Kohli uses MRF-branded bats. MRF does not manufacture bats directly but contracts production and applies their branding. Reports indicate his bats are custom-made to his specifications, weighing approximately 1,150 to 1,200 grams with a mid-to-low sweet spot.

• Is Kashmir willow good enough for leather-ball cricket?

  Kashmir willow works for leather-ball cricket at the beginner and casual level. It is heavier and has a smaller sweet spot than English willow, which means less power and less forgiveness on mistimed shots. For regular competitive cricket, upgrading to English willow above 5,000 INR is worthwhile.

• How many grains should a good cricket bat have?

  A good cricket bat typically has 6 to 12 straight, evenly spaced grains. Fewer wide grains (6-8) tend to produce a harder hitting bat that may take longer to knock in. More narrow grains (9-12) often play well from the start. Straightness matters more than the exact count.

• How long does a cricket bat last?

  A well-maintained English willow bat lasts 1 to 3 seasons of regular use. Kashmir willow bats last 1 to 2 seasons. Proper knocking in, oiling, and using an anti-scuff sheet extend the lifespan. Cracks on the edge or toe are the most common failure points.

• Should beginners buy a lightweight or heavy cricket bat?

  Beginners should start with a lighter bat they can swing comfortably at full speed. A bat that is too heavy forces poor technique as the player compensates for the weight. For adults, start around 1,100 to 1,200 grams and adjust as your strength develops.