Follow Us
Agree or not, the weight of a cricket bat along with height are two of the most integral factors in domestic and international cricket. A cricket bat weight has a massive influence on a batsman’s hitting ability and determines how accurate, powerful, and controlled a cricketing shot is.
For example, a lightweight cricket bat is quite seamless to control and good for hitting proper cricketing shots 360 degrees, however, it’s not ideal for generating power. On the other hand, a heavy cricket bat is more than perfect to hit powerful shots across the ground but it requires immense strength and focus to control it properly. That’s why the cricket bat weight should be the perfect balance of weight and height so that the batsman can effortlessly play all kinds of shots without worrying about control and grip.
Ideal Weight of The Cricket Bat
ICC, also known as the International Cricket Council, is responsible for the regulation of the ideal weight of the cricket bat for every batsmaṇ. According to ICC, the ideal weight of the cricket bat should be between 1.1 kg to 1.4 kg ( 2lb 7 oz to 3 oz). The batsman cannot use the cricket bat beyond the predefined weight range. The ideal weight of the cricket weight in grams is 1130 grams to 1400 grams.
Generally, most batsmen prefer to keep their cricket bat weight around 1.1kg to 1.2 kg to make sure they maintain proper grip and transmit maximum power while hitting tactical shots. Moreover, in an ideal cricket bat, the weight should be distributed uniformly to avoid the risk of any potential injury and provide support in power-hitting and tactical shots.
There is no denying that the weight of the cricket and playing style are correlated to each other in partial ways. Let’s understand this with an example. If a cricket bat is heavy, it’s exemplary to hit massive shots as it can generate power easily. At the same time, it’s quite daunting to swing a heavy bat effort
Have a look also: Top 10 Most Expensive Cricket Bats in the World
Weight of the Cricket Bat and Playing Style
Generally, the weight of the cricket bat is directly correlated with the playing style of the batsman. If we take into account the lightweight cricket bat, a lightweight bat allows better control and swing while playing different shots but it can’t generate massive power for big hits.
On the other hand, a heavyweight cricket bat is exemplary for hitting powerful sixes and down the ground shots, or the batting shots that require less swing and control. If we summarize our theory in a textual formula, the weight of the cricket bat is inversely proportional to power and swing, and directly proportional to control.
However, cricketers as well as cricket enthusiasts must know that the weight of the cricket bat is not the only factor that influences playing style. The height, the handle, the uniformity of the weight distribution, and the thickness of the edges also play a vital role in impacting the playing style. A lanky player may require a tall and heavy-weight cricket bat while a short player needs a lesser-height bat to control it efficiently.
In addition to the above factors, the only relevant way to find out which cricket bat is ideal for a particular batting style is through the hit-and-trial method. A batsman should give a shot to bats of varied heights and weights to find the right one for the job.
Guidelines To Select The Right Weight Of The Cricket Bat
Though there is no official guideline released on how to select the right weight for the cricket bat, in a general thumb rule, batsmen should select the weight according to their experience and playing style. Below, we have stated numerous pivotal pointers that will help cricket fans identify the right cricket bat weight.
- For players who have flexible wrists and fine reflexes, a lightweight cricket bat is perfect for scoring heaps of runs and playing the pace balls efficiently. On fast pitches, a ball comes rapidly on the bat, thus, a lightweight cricket bat is perfect for responding quickly and hitting shots. A lightweight bat ranges between 1.1kg to 1.2 kg.
- A Midweight cricket bat is perfect for cricketers of all playing styles and all condition pitches. Be it a power hitter or a tactical batsman, both can leverage the ideal balance of control and power of a midweight cricket that weighs around 1.2 to 1.3 kg.
- Heavyweight bats are way too perfect for those players who believe in strength hitting or who love to play big shots. These bats are ideal for slow pitches where balls come on the bat intermittently.
Apart from the weight of the bat, a professional and prudent batsman must also give equal weightage to factors like height, handle, thickness of the edges, and face of the bat. Weight alone doesn’t make a perfect weight.
Top 10 List of Cricketers of Their Bat Weight
Virat Kohli Bat weight
Without a bit of a doubt, Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world in all three formats. People are not only crazy about his classic cricketing style but also curious about Virat Kohli’s bat weight. Ideally, a cricket bat’s weight ranges between 1.1 to 1.4 kg. The bat Virat Kohli uses to play belligerent and nail-biting innings weighs 1.15 kg. There are rumours that Virat Kohli may change his bat for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
Also see: Virat Kohli Double Century List in Test
Sachin Tendulkar’s Bat Weight
Considered by millions the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is non-arguably the best batsman of all generations with heaps of records that seem impossible to break. He single-handedly ended the identity crisis of the MRF brand. Sachi Tendulkar used to bat with quite a heavy cricket bat. Sachin Tendulkar’s bat weight used to be around 1.47kg which allowed him to play powerful strokes around the ground effortlessly.
Check out: Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 Centuries List
Chris Gayle Bat Weight
Chris Gayle, the name is enough to send shivers into the minds and bodies of even the most dangerous bowlers in the world. Chris Gayle’s bat is no less than a weapon of mass destruction as those sky-touching sixes are a testament to that. Chris Gayle’s bat weight used to be around 1.36 kg which is quite heavy according to standards. No wonder how Gayle managed to hit those thunderous sixes.
Dhoni Bat Weight
MS Dhoni and success, these two words are synonymous with each other. By leaps and bounds, he is the most successful captain Indian cricket has ever produced. MS Dhoni was renowned for his power-packed and aggressive batting. Dhoni’s bat is being linked with the Spartan brand and MS Dhoni’s bat weight is approximately 1.27kg which is used to produce amazing helicopter shots.
Also see:
Rohit Sharma Bat Weight
The hitman of India, Rohit Sharma uses a Grade A English willow cricket bat that weighs around 1.2 kg. Rohit Sharma bat weight is exemplary for him to hit massive shots across the ground with ample reaction time.
Also see: Most Runs in ODI World Cup Cricket
Hardik Pandya Bat Weight
The super-talented all-rounder Hardik Pandya uses a SG savage edition englihs willow cricket bat that weighs in between 1.16 to 1.18 grams. Hardik Pandya’s light bat weight gives him freedom to play explosive shots effortlessly.
Check out – Who is the Best Cricketer in India 2023?
Suryakumar Yadav Bat Weight
The T20 sensation of India Suryakumar Yadav uses a Grade 1+ supreme quality English willow cricket bat that weighs around 1.17kg allowing him to generate ample power while playing any style of short. Round handles and duckbill toes make the bat feel a lot lighter and ideal for a strong grip.
Have a look also – Top 10 Largest Cricket Stadium in The world
Ab de Villiers bat weight
AB De Villiers is one of the few cricketers who is idolized by people of all age groups. He is also celebrated as Mr. 360 degree. Ideally, Ab de Villiers bat weight ranges from 1.19 to 1.25 kg which allows him to hit any kind of stroke with utmost power without any hassle.
Also see: Most Dangerous Batsman In The World
KL Rahul Bat Weight
Indian prolific batsman and one of the rising stars KL Rahul uses quite a lightweight cricket bat that weighs around 1.1 KG. For utmost control and comfort, KL Rahul uses a special scale grip for the bat handle.
Also see: Top 10 Best Finishers in World Cricket History
David Warner Bat Weight
The blistering left-handed opener Batsman of the Australian cricket team David Warner uses the famous Gray Nicholas Kaboom cricket bat that weighs around 1.24 kg. David Warner’s cricket bat has a wide face from the bottom and thick edges that allow him to hit balls out of the park without any effort.
