List of Top 10 Most Expensive Bat in the World

Cricket is more than simply a sport. It is a religion in some countries, and a very emotional experience for millions of people worldwide. Bats are the most valuable equipment that cricketers, particularly batters, keep in their locker rooms. The bats are linked to legendary players, iconic matches, and historic performances.

From Sachin Tendulkar's MRF to Ricky Ponting's Kookabura, these bats have been with them throughout their cricket careers. They remain the essential part of the batters in the game of cricket and are the most expensive cricket bats in the world. In this article, we find out the top 10 most expensive cricket bats in the world.

Ranking Factors

Ranking the most expensive bat in the world goes beyond just their price tags. The true value of the cricket bats lies in the legacy they have gained over the years, the players who used them with emotion, and the moments they helped define. The three factors we have taken into consideration are the current price tag of the particular bat, the reason behind such a huge price, and iconic innings from that bat.

• Current Price Tag of the Particular Bat: The price tag of a cricket bat can often go well beyond its material worth, especially when it's linked to history, legacy, or a cricketing icon. While a regular high-quality English willow bat might cost anywhere between INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000, some bats used by legends in iconic matches have been sold for amounts as high as INR 1 crore or more at auctions.
• The Reason Behind Such a Huge Price: The huge prices associated with certain cricket bats are rarely due to craftsmanship alone. These bats are more than sporting equipment; they are symbols of unforgettable moments. These high prices are not just about the celebrity of the player; they are driven by the moment the bat represents. In many cases, that bat becomes a cultural artifact preserved in glass cases, museums, or private collections, revered as a part of cricket folklore.
• Iconic Innings from That Bat: The value of a cricket bat rises rapidly when it's associated with an iconic innings. A performance under pressure will always be etched into cricketing history. Such innings are not just about the runs scored, but the occasion, pressure, and lasting legacy they create. The innings played with a bat give it life, identity, and irreplaceable value that lasts far beyond the scoreboard.

Most Expensive Bat in the World

The list of the most expensive bat in the world consists of bats of cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Donald Bradman, and Brian Lara. These batters have not just had the most expensive bat but also have dominated on the field with their cricketing ability and runs. Let's have a look at the top 10 most expensive bat in the world.

Top 10 Most Expensive Bat in the World Price

Cricket bats are more than just equipment. Over the years, as cricket has evolved, the value of certain cricket bats has increased not only due to the quality of wood and brand reputation but also because of the history and iconic moments attached to them. Sir Donald Bradman's 1934 Ashes Cricket Bat is the most expensive cricket bat in the world in rupees. It was used by the greatest Test batsman during one of his finest Ashes tours.

10. Chris Gayle’s 2012 T20 World Cup Bat

Chris Gayle is known as the ‘Universe Boss’. The former West Indies opener was known for his aggressive batting style and was a nightmare for any bowler. He has the record for smashing the most hundreds in the T20 format of the game. He has been an icon in the shortest format of the game. He has the record for scoring the highest individual score in the T20 format, 175* in IPL. This showcases his destructive batting approach.

Gayle, with his big, muscular biceps, used to hit humongous sixes without any problems and has the record for striking the third most sixes in the ODI format. He was one key reason that the West Indies won the T20 World Cup 2012. The Big Jamaican scored 222 runs in the major competition. He used a bat from the Sports Brand Spartan, which was later auctioned for INR 40 Lakh and became the 10th most expensive bat in the world.

9. AB de Villiers’ 2015 ODI 100 Cricket Bat

AB de Villiers is one of the finest cricketers of this generation. The former South African skipper is one of the most innovative and explosive batters in the history of cricket. The former RCB cricketer is known for his unorthodox approach and combined flexibility across all formats of the game. He was a nightmare for bowlers. He has been one of the finest players of white ball cricket.

Known as Mr.360 scored the fastest century off 31 deliveries against West Indies in 2015. The Kookaburra bat he used in that match was sold for INR 45 Lakhs in the auction, highlighting his remarkable career. This remains one of the most expensive bat in the world cricket that has been sold to a person. Despite not winning any silverware, he has been a legend of the game.

8. Kumar Sangakkara’s 2014 World Cup Cricket Bat

Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most elegant left-handed batters of all time. The former Sri Lanka captain’s ability to anchor innings or accelerate as needed made him a valuable asset for the side. A great wicketkeeper-batter for the Lankan Lions. He also led his side in the 2011 World Cup, losing to India. The Southpaw has been among the most run-getters in ODI cricket.

The former Sri Lanka skipper had the best runs in the 2015 World Cup. He scored four centuries. But one of the finest innings came against India in the T20 World Cup final in 2014. The bat he used, of the SS brand, was auctioned later for a hefty price of INR 50 lakhs.

7. Steve Smith’s 2015 Ashes Hundred Cricket Bat

Steven Smith is one of the finest cricketers of this generation. He is part of the modern-day ‘FAB 4’, which consists of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. The former Australian captain recently announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the semi-final exit of the ICC Champions Trophy against India. He has been one of the finest test batters of this generation.

Steve Smith's best time came in the 2015 Ashes series. In the very series, he topped the run-scoring charts with 508 runs at an average of 56.44, including a memorable double century at Lord's. His New Balance bat was sold for ₹60 Lakhs in an auction, underlining its high value and his remarkable achievements. This is the main reason his bat has been ranked among the most expensive bat in the world.

6. Virat Kohli’s 2018 Test Hundred Cricket Bat

Virat Kohli is the greatest 50-over batter of all time. He is once in a once-in-a-generation talent, the former India captain currently sits atop with the most number of centuries by an active cricketer with 81 international hundreds. The “Chase Master” is one of the most prolific run scorers in ODI history and is known for his aggressive approach on the field.

He has been known for his amazing technique, fitness, and mental strength. Kohli has set numerous records in the 50-over format. His consistency in white ball cricket has redefined modern cricket. His MRF-sponsored bat from that period was auctioned in December 2021 for INR 75 Lakhs. In the 2018 series, he scored 1322 runs in the 2018 Test series against England using this bat. This is the reason it has been listed as the most expensive bat in the world.

5. Brian Lara’s 1994 Hundred Cricket Bat

Brian Lara was one of the most stylish batters of all time. The former West Indies batter has the record for the highest individual score in an international Test innings, after scoring 400 not out. He has been an all-time legend of the game and for the West Indies as well. The former Windies skipper led the side to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004. Their only ICC Trophy in the 50-over format of the game.

The star Windies batter made cricket history by scoring an unbeaten 375 runs in a Test match innings against England in 1994. Using an iconic English willow bat. This bat was later sold for INR 80 Lakhs in a December 2021 auction. This showcased his legacy and the kind of innings he played in the longest format of the game. With 11,953 runs, he has been one of the legends of the format and was a consistent performer in test cricket.

4. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 World Cup Cricket Bat

Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest cricketer of all time. The ‘God of Cricket’ has achieved numerous milestones in his prolonged career of 24 years. Tendulkar’s ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers helped him become a legend of the game. Sachin remains the cricketer with the most runs in international cricket, and it will be really difficult to surpass his 100 centuries

He has played in 463 matches for India, showcasing unparalleled consistency, and has scored 18,426 runs in ODI cricket. But in the 2003 World Cup, came scored 673 runs with memorable innings, including a 98-run knock against Pakistan. With his iconic MRF bat, his iconic square cut to Shoaib Akhtar in the match is still one of the finest shots. His bat was auctioned in December 2021 for INR 1 Crore. This bat of Sachin is among the most expensive bat in the world in rupees.

3. Sir Gary Sobers’ 1968 Iconic Cricket Bat

Sir Garfield Sobers will always be regarded as the greatest West Indies cricketer of all time. He is widely regarded as one of the best cricketers in the world. He featured for the side from 1954 to 1974. He laid the foundation for the Caribbean nation that won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979. The greatest all-rounder scored 8,032 runs in Test cricket at an impressive average of 57.78.

His iconic innings of 365* against Pakistan in 1958 stood as the highest individual Test score for 36 years, a testament to his mastery. Sobers was more than just an amazing batsman; he was a bowler to match, claiming 235 wickets. He has been acknowledged as one of the greatest Test cricketers this game has seen. In his iconic 254 runs innings, he used the bat sponsored by Gray Nicolls, in the same innings he struck six sixes in an over, and that bat was later auctioned for a massive price of INR 1.2 Crore.

2. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Cricket Bat

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also known as "Captain Cool," is more than a cricket superstar. Dhoni is a global icon and one of the most successful sports figures in history. Dhoni captained India to three ICC trophies in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He changed the dynamics of wicket-keeping with lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps.

Dhoni's financial portfolio has grown significantly beyond sport. His achievements as captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have gained a lot of attention. His iconic 91-run innings in the ODI World Cup final in 2011. The Reebok bat he used in that match was auctioned for INR 1.5 Crore. This bat is among the most expensive bat in the world in rupees. He remains one of the greatest captains in world cricket.

1. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Cricket Bat

Sir Donald Bradman, revered as "The Don," is not just a cricketing legend; he is a symbol of sporting excellence whose records have transcended generations. His career Test batting average of 99.94 is considered to be the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport. Bradman played 52 matches for the Aussies, scoring 6,996 runs, and his highest score in 334. He had 29 hundreds in his test career.

The former Australian captain has many records under his name, which are nearly impossible to break. No batter is yet close to his amazing average, and it is nearly impossible to be broken in modern-day cricket. His 1934 Ashes series was the best of the series. He scored 758 runs at an average of 94.75 while playing with a Kookaburra-sponsored bat. This bat gained the most expensive cricket bat in the world after being auctioned for INR 1.9 crore.

Which is the Most Expensive Bat in the World Cricket History?

The answer to which is the most expensive bat in the world is Sir Donald Bradman's Kookaburra-sponsored bat, which he used in the 1934 Ashes Series, where he scored 758 runs at an average of 94.75. He has the most expensive cricket bat in the world. This was auctioned for INR 1.9 crore, showcasing his legacy and longevity. He has an amazing average of 99.94, and no batter is yet close to his amazing average, and it is nearly impossible to be broken in modern-day cricket.