The evolution of the cricket bat is as dramatic as the game itself. In the 17th century, when underarm bowling was standard, bats were shaped like hockey sticks to scoop the ball. But as bowling styles advanced, so did the bat.
Today, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma use custom-made English willow bats. Kohli’s bat weighs around 1.1 kg, offering excellent balance for flicks and drives, while MS Dhoni’s Reebok blade was famously known for delivering the helicopter shot.
Bats today undergo pressing, oiling, and knocking-in to become match-ready. They can cost up to ₹20,000–₹50,000 depending on grade and brand.
🔍 Fun Facts:
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Sachin Tendulkar used a bat that weighed around 1.5 kg — much heavier than modern standards.
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The MRF Genius bat used by Kohli is among the most sold replicas globally.
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India’s young prodigy Shubman Gill uses bats customized with an extended sweet spot for his clean hitting.
