If you think about cricket, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the batsman with his trusty bat. Just like a magician needs his wand, a cricketer needs his bat to work his magic on the field. Over time, some cricket bats have become legendary, not just because of their craftsmanship, but because of the players who used them and the famous moments they are linked to. These bats have become so valuable that they are now treasured by fans and collectors alike. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world, which are more than just tools – they are pieces of history.
Top 10 Most Expensive Cricket Bats in the World
1. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat
The most expensive cricket bat in the world comes from one of the greatest cricketers of all time – Sir Donald Bradman. This bat was used by him in the 1934 Ashes series. Bradman scored a stunning triple century with this bat and helped set a world record. It was auctioned for an amazing Rs. 1.90 Crore in 2021. Now, it is displayed at the Bradman Museum in Australia, where fans can admire this piece of cricket history.
2. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat
When MS Dhoni hit the winning six in the 2011 World Cup Final against Sri Lanka, he made history. This bat became famous and was later auctioned for Rs. 75 lakhs, which is over Rs. 1 Crore if you account for inflation. Fans of Dhoni, also known as “Captain Cool,” jumped at the chance to own a piece of this historic moment.
3. Gary Sobers’ 1968 Bat
Gary Sobers was an incredible cricketer who was known for his batting and bowling skills. He also became famous for hitting six sixes in an over during a match in 1968. The bat he used during that moment was sold for Rs. 37 lakhs. This bat represents not only a record-breaking performance but also a milestone in cricket history.
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 World Cup Bat
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster,” is perhaps the most famous cricketer India has ever known. His bat from the 2003 World Cup, which was made from the finest English willow, was sold for Rs. 1 Crore in 2021. The bat is linked to his legendary career, and no cricket fan would pass up the chance to own a piece of his history.
5. Brian Lara’s 1994 Century Bat
Brian Lara is remembered for his incredible 375-run inning against England in 1994. This inning broke a 36-year-old record and is still considered one of the greatest individual performances in cricket. The bat Lara used for this unforgettable knock was sold for Rs. 1.5 Crores.
6. Virat Kohli’s 2018 Test Century Bat
Virat Kohli, known as one of the best modern-day cricketers, used this bat to score an impressive 149 runs in a test match against England in 2018. This bat became famous because it marked Kohli’s comeback after facing a lot of criticism. It was later auctioned for Rs. 75 lakhs, making it one of the most expensive cricket bats in history.
7. Steve Smith’s 2015 Ashes Century Bat
Steve Smith is one of the best players from Australia. He used this bat to score a century in the 2015 Ashes series. His technique and skills on the field have earned him many fans, and the bat sold for Rs. 60 lakhs in an auction.
8. Kumar Sangakkara’s 2014 T20 World Cup Bat
Kumar Sangakkara was a brilliant batsman from Sri Lanka, and his bat from the 2014 T20 World Cup Final is worth a lot of money. Sangakkara’s bat helped lead Sri Lanka to victory in the tournament, and it was sold for Rs. 60 lakhs, making it one of the most valuable cricket bats in history.
9. AB de Villiers’ 2015 Century Bat
AB de Villiers, known for his fast and powerful batting, scored a century in just 31 balls in 2015 against the West Indies. His bat, which helped him achieve this incredible feat, was sold for Rs. 45 lakhs, reflecting the incredible performance that made him a cricket legend.
10. Chris Gayle’s 2012 T20 World Cup Bat
Chris Gayle is a cricket powerhouse, known for his explosive batting. The bat he used during the 2012 T20 World Cup, where he played a major role in West Indies’ victory, was sold for Rs. 40 lakhs. His aggressive style of play and his important role in that victory made the bat highly valuable.
Conclusion
These bats are not just cricket equipment; they are symbols of greatness and memories of some of the most iconic moments in cricket history. From Sir Donald Bradman’s bat to MS Dhoni’s World Cup-winning bat, these pieces of memorabilia carry a legacy that cannot be measured in just money. They remind us of the triumphs, the records, and the cricketers who have made the sport unforgettable.
