If a batsman is the magician of his sport, then his bat is undoubtedly his magic wand. From arts to archery, the maestro of any skill is incomplete without his best companion, his signature equipment. The same is true for globally famed cricketers who earn remarkable recognition for their prowess and excellence. Throughout a cricketer’s career, his bat becomes his identity and a symbol of his legacy after years of active sportsmanship. Across the world, true fans and passionate cricket connoisseurs have always been willing to acquire these unique bats for their memorabilia, leading to some of these astonishingly high prices. Join us in this blog as we take a look at the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world and relish the legacy of their wielders together.
Key Takeaway
2) Conclusion
3) Frequently Asked Questions
List Of The Top 10 Most Expensive Cricket Bats In The World
Over decades, cricket bats have undergone significant improvement and have evolved from a basic wooden tool used to hit a ball into an example of incredible craftsmanship and accuracy. Although the prices of a standard cricket bat that is available for sale in an open market are easy to fix, complications arise in the case of legacy bats that hold a story to tell. These bats are not only valuable for their commodity price but also because the iconic moments and legendary players associated with them make these bats far more valuable than their craftsmanship and materials used. Just as these bats hold great value, so do the top 10 biggest cricket stadiums in India, where fans witness legendary moments.
To satisfy your curiosity, we have curated a list of the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world that you can immerse yourself in below:
1. Sir Donald Bradman's 1934 Ashes Bat
Topping this list is 20th-century Australian cricket tycoon Sir Donald Bradman’s bat, which was manufactured by the time’s premier cricket brand, William Sykes & Son. Don used this iconic bat in the Ashes Series of 1934, where he used it to display his brute batting skills by scoring a triple century! Throughout the series, Bradman scored a total of 758 runs, including a 304-run spree at Headingley and 244 runs at the Oval. Moreover, by scoring 451 runs in partnership with Bill Ponsford, Bradman achieved the world record for the highest partnership score in test cricket at that time. The bat made global headlines when it earned the title of the world’s most expensive cricket bat at an auction price of whooping Rs. 1,90,00,000 in 2021. Currently, this iconic bat is on display at the Bradman Museum in Bowral.
2. MS Dhoni's 2011 World Cup Final Bat
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a.k.a. Captain Cool, is, by far, one of the most sensational cricketers in India. Dhoni is one of the few cricketers who boast of having a fan base of millions who are always eager to shell fortunes on their icon’s memorabilia. With such an incredible fandom, it’s no surprise that one of the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world belonged to Mahi. Dhoni used this bat to drop the winning six in 2011’s World Cup Final, bringing home the trophy and also a record-high auction price of approximately Rs. 75 lakhs, which translates to Rs. 1 Crore after adjusting for inflation. The decisive finale was against Sri Lanka, and it was after a deserving wait of 28 years that India won the World Cup again.
3. Gary Sobers' 1968 Bat
Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, commonly known as Gary Sobers, is one of the rarest cricket gems who established their skills in both batsmanship and bowling. During his active career, the cricket star Gary was a behemoth for the West Indies cricket team and is acclaimed to be the first cricketer in mainstream cricket to score six sixes in a single over. Gary earned this achievement while batting during a County Championship match for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan on August 31, 1968.
The short-handled Slazenger bat used by Sobers to play that iconic over is now a cricket relic and also one of the most expensive cricket bats in history. Based on an auction held in the early 2000s, the bat’s value is estimated to be around Rs. 37,00,000!
4. Sachin Tendulkar's 2003 World Cup Bat
The idea of heaven without God and a conversation about cricket without mentioning Sachin is just as vague as a foggy road on a winter morning. Sachin’s merchandise, even from the early days of his career, has always been wildly popular among the fans of our beloved Master Blaster. Sachin’s 2003 World Cup Bat easily ranks among the most valuable of these collectibles. Made from the finest quality English willow wood, Sachin’s signature bat was auctioned in December 2021 to the highest bidder at an adjusted price of Rs. 1,00,00,000.
5. Brian Lara's 1994 Century Bat
Brian Lara's bat, from his legendary 375-run innings against England in 1994, stands next among the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world and is also one of cricket's most cherished items. Brian played the historic innings at the Antigua Recreation Ground to beat Sir Garfield Sobers' record for the highest individual score in Test cricket. This record had stood for 36 years. Facing 538 balls and spending over 12 hours at the crease, Lara's accomplishment is a testament to his extraordinary skill and endurance. The bat that witnessed this unforgettable innings was later auctioned for a staggering Rs. 1.5 crores, symbolizing not just a personal triumph but a monumental moment in cricket history.
6. Virat Kohli's 2018 Test Century Bat
Virat Kohli’s legendary innings at Edgbaston in 2018 are famously etched in cricketing history, not just for the runs but also for the story behind them. Back then, King Kohli fell victim to serious criticism for his questionable performance from both the media and his fandom. Kohli silenced his critics with a masterful 149 runs score against a fierce English Cricket Team, establishing himself to be greater than the popular "English curse" that had plagued him. The bat used by Kohli to pull off his shots was a Grade A English Willow bat, which is now one of the most expensive bats in cricket history. Now a symbol of resilience and unmatched skill among cricket fans, this bat fetched an impressive INR 75 lakhs at auction, becoming one of the most valuable pieces of cricket memorabilia.
7. Steve Smith's 2015 Ashes Century Bat
One of the most talented cricketers of modern-day cricket, Steve Smith, stands among Australia’s most celebrated batsmen. Steve has given the world several memorable moments, one of them being the fifth and final Test at The Oval, where Smith scored a crucial century with 143 runs, securing a lead for team Australia. Steve was in great form during this match with a batting technique characterized by his fidgeting and unique movements, which was on full display during these innings, with the bat used becoming an icon with an auction price of Rs. 60,00,000.
8. Kumar Sangakkara's 2014 T20 World Cup Bat
Sri Lanka’s global cricket sensation, Kumar Sangakkara, belongs to the rarest breed of cricketers who can flaunt elegant left-handed batting with impeccable technique and flawless wicket-keeping skills as well. Sangakkara's legendary performance in the 2014 T20 World Cup final is a shining statement of his cricketing prowess. During the match, Sangakkara used a Kookaburra bat while performing calmly under pressure, leading Sri Lanka to victory. Sangakkara used this bat during his final playing days, which adds to its value, fetching around Rs. 60,00,000 at a collector’s auction.
9. AB de Villiers' 2015 Century Bat
Often regarded as South Africa’s Sachin, AB de Villiers is easily one of the most followed cricketers worldwide, with memorabilia fetching sky-high prices. During the peak of his career, AB scored a century within 32 balls with his tailor-made Kookaburra bat. This incredible feat occurred in Johannesburg in 2015 with team West Indies on the other side. Having delivered innovative and aggressive shots for AB, this historical bat fetched a whopping sum of Rs. 45,00,000, making it clear that AB’s merch is just as invaluable as the icon himself.
10. Chris Gayle's 2012 T20 World Cup Bat
One of the most memorable cricketers of all time, Chris Gayle's bat from the 2012 T20 World Cup symbolizes his dominance and the West Indies' historic victory. Manufactured by the cricket tycoon’s personal preference, Spartan, this bat played a crucial role in Gayle's explosive performances throughout the tournament, where he scored 222 runs in seven matches. Later, in a tournament against Australia, Gayle smashed an incredible 75 runs on 41 balls with his power-packed bat, setting forth his powerful batting style. Though his final match contribution was fairly modest, Gayle's previous performances made it easier for the West Indies Team to walk to triumph with the stage already set by him. This iconic bat, auctioned for ₹40 lakhs in 2021, is proof of Chris Gayle’s legacy, one of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time.
Conclusion
In the world of cricket, a bat is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a symbol of the legendary moments that define the sport's history. From Sir Donald Bradman's 1934 Ashes bat to Chris Gayle's 2012 T20 World Cup bat, each of these prized possessions tells a story of triumph, skill, and unforeseen spirit. The astronomical prices these bats command reflect not only their physical craftsmanship but also the unforgettable memories that they portray, and the same is evident with the top 10 most expensive cricket bats, with each one of them being a unique treasure in itself, holding a story to tell and a legacy to display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most expensive bat in cricket history?
Ans. Fetching an impressive sum of Rs. 1,90,00,000 at a 2021 auction, Sir Donald Bradman’s vintage bat from the 1930s is currently the most expensive cricket bat in the world.
Q2. What is the cost of Rohit Sharma's bat?
Ans. Based on recent reports, Rohit Sharma’s bat, the CEAT Hitman Rohit Sharma Edition English Willow Cricket Bat, is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 45,000 to ₹65,000 in India.
Q3. Which bat is better, SS or SG?
Ans. While both SS and SG bats are well-known for their finesse and perfection, selecting any one of the two boils down to personal preferences. On the one hand, SS bats provide excellent ping and are relatively more affordable, while on the other hand, SG bats are known for their balance and handling, especially among professional players.
Q4. Which is the best bat company in the world?
Ans. Based on reviews from world-renowned professional cricketers, bats from Grey-Nicolls and Kookaburra are often described to be the best in the world because of their flawless craftsmanship and premium quality wood.