Every cricketer has wondered: What bat does my favorite player use, and how much does it cost?
From Virat Kohli and Babar Azam to Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, the bats used by international stars often become some of the most sought-after pieces of cricket equipment in the world. While many of these bats are available as retail models, professionals often choose versions that are specially selected, custom-made, and built from the finest Grade 1 or Grade 1+ English willow.
Professional bats typically cost significantly more than standard club bats because they use premium willow, undergo extensive hand-finishing, and are often customized to exact player specifications.
Let’s take a closer look at what some of cricket’s biggest stars use and why professional cricket bats command such high prices.
What Bat Does Shubman Gill Use?
One of India’s most elegant modern batters, Shubman Gill is closely associated with the CEAT Gill 77.
The player’s edition version of this bat is estimated to cost around:
- $600 USD
- ₹49,900 INR
The bat is designed to reflect Gill’s fluent stroke-making style.
Features often include:
✅ Premium English willow
✅ Large sweet spot
✅ Balanced pickup
✅ Thick edges
✅ Lightweight feel
The Gill 77 has become one of CEAT’s most popular premium models.
What Does Virat Kohli’s Bat Cost?
Few cricketers generate more interest in their equipment than Virat Kohli.
Kohli has become synonymous with high-quality English willow bats and an aggressive yet technically perfect batting style.
His bat specifications are reported to include:
- Weight: Approximately 1.15 kg
- Cost: Around $324
- Price in India: Around ₹27,000
Interestingly, Kohli prefers a relatively light bat by modern professional standards.
This helps him:
✅ Generate quick bat speed
✅ Play wristy shots
✅ Maintain excellent timing
✅ Adapt across all formats
His success demonstrates that timing often matters more than simply using the heaviest bat possible.
What Bat Does Babar Azam Use?
Many regard Babar Azam as one of the world’s most technically complete batters.
Babar has been associated with the:
Gray-Nicolls Vapor 1.35 Star
This bat suits his elegant stroke play and ability to score in all conditions.
Key characteristics include:
- Premium English willow
- Balanced profile
- Excellent pickup
- Large sweet spot
Like many top-order batters, Babar prioritizes timing and balance over sheer size.
Glenn Maxwell’s Cricket Bat
If there is one cricketer known for innovation and explosive batting, it is Glenn Maxwell.
Maxwell uses the:
Kookaburra Beast Pro Cricket Bat
The name fits perfectly.
The Beast Pro is built for:
✅ Power hitting
✅ Aggressive stroke play
✅ T20 cricket
✅ Innovative shot-making
Maxwell’s famous double century in ODI cricket further enhanced the reputation of this model.
Jos Buttler’s Bat
England white-ball star Jos Buttler uses a player edition version of the:
Kookaburra Kahuna
The Kahuna has long been one of the most famous bat models in cricket.
The Buttler edition features:
- Full profile
- Large sweet spot
- Oval handle
- Aggressive profile
The bat is designed to suit modern attacking cricket.
Which Bat Does Faf du Plessis Use?
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis uses the:
IXU Enigma Cricket Bat
His complete cricket kit often includes:
- IXU Enigma Bat
- IXU Enigma Pads
- IXU Enigma Gloves
- Masuri Helmet
- Puma Cricket Shoes
The Enigma reflects Faf’s aggressive yet controlled batting style.
What Bat Did AB de Villiers Use?
One of the greatest shot-makers in cricket history, AB de Villiers has been associated with the:
MRF 360 English Willow Cricket Bat
The MRF 360 became famous because of AB’s incredible ability to hit shots all around the ground.
The bat featured:
✅ Balanced profile
✅ Powerful sweet spot
✅ Excellent pickup
✅ Huge versatility
Like its owner, it was designed to do everything.
Kane Williamson‘s Cricket Bat
New Zealand superstar Kane Williamson uses:
Gray-Nicolls Delta Players Edition
Williamson’s game is built on:
- Timing
- Placement
- Technique
- Control
The Delta Players Edition complements those strengths perfectly.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Bat
India’s innovative T20 star uses the:
SS SKY Original Cricket Bat
The SKY series quickly became popular among:
✅ T20 players
✅ Aggressive batters
✅ Innovative stroke-makers
The bat is built to maximize scoring opportunities throughout the field.
Rohit Sharma’s Bat
The Indian captain is associated with:
CEAT Hitman English Willow Cricket Bat
Named after Rohit’s famous nickname, the Hitman series focuses on:
✅ Timing
✅ Power
✅ Pickup
✅ Large sweet spot
Like Rohit’s batting, the bat combines elegance with explosive hitting.
KL Rahul‘s Bat
Stylish Indian batter KL Rahul uses:
SG KLR 1 English Willow Cricket Bat
The KLR range focuses on:
- Premium willow
- High performance
- Modern profile
- Excellent balance
It has become one of SG’s flagship series.
MS Dhoni’s Bat
Throughout his career, MS Dhoni has used several famous bats.
Most notably:
Spartan Seven English Willow Bat
Earlier in his career, he was also associated with:
Reebok Cricket Bats
Many fans still remember the famous helicopter shot played with those bats.
Why Professional Cricket Bats Cost So Much
Many club cricketers wonder why professional bats can cost hundreds of dollars more than standard bats.
The answer comes down to materials, craftsmanship, and customization.
Premium English Willow
The highest-grade bats use:
Grade 1 or Grade 1+ English Willow
Benefits include:
✅ Better ping
✅ Stronger rebound
✅ Improved grain structure
✅ Lower weight
Premium willow is rare and more expensive to source.
Handcrafted Production
Professional bats are often:
- Individually shaped
- Hand finished
- Personally selected
- Professionally pressed
Many receive significantly more attention than mass-produced bats.
Player Customizations
Professional cricketers often request:
- Specific weights
- Unique handle shapes
- Particular sweet spot positions
- Custom balances
These modifications require additional labor and expertise.
Cricket Bat Price Guide by Player Level
Entry-Level Bats
Price Range: $100-$200
Typical willow:
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
Best for:
✅ Beginners
✅ Junior players
✅ Recreational cricketers
Club Cricket Bats
Price Range: $200-$400
Typical willow:
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
Best for:
✅ Club players
✅ School cricket
✅ Competitive amateurs
Professional Bats
Price Range: $400-$1000+
Typical willow:
- Grade 1
- Grade 1+
Best for:
✅ Elite players
✅ Professionals
✅ Serious enthusiasts
How Much Does It Cost to Manufacture a Cricket Bat?
Surprisingly, the actual manufacturing cost of a cricket bat is often much lower than its retail price.
Factors influencing production costs include:
Willow Quality
The higher the grade, the more expensive the raw material.
Labor
Handcrafted bats require:
- Shaping
- Pressing
- Sanding
- Finishing
Each stage adds cost.
Branding
Major brands spend heavily on:
- Sponsorships
- Marketing
- Research and development
Quality Control
Premium manufacturers reject many willow clefts that fail to meet standards.
Estimated Manufacturing Costs
- Basic bat: $20-$100
- Premium handmade bat: $100-$300+
- Professional custom bat: Significantly higher depending on specifications
Does an Expensive Bat Make You a Better Batter?
Not necessarily.
Many players assume that buying a professional-grade bat will instantly improve their scores.
The reality is that:
✅ Technique matters more.
✅ Timing matters more.
✅ Bat suitability matters more.
A well-chosen $250 bat may perform better for a player than a $700 professional model that doesn’t suit their style.
Final Thoughts
Professional cricketers use some of the finest cricket bats ever produced, with models such as the CEAT Gill 77, MRF 360, Gray-Nicolls Delta Players Edition, SG KLR 1, and Kookaburra Beast Pro becoming synonymous with the stars who wield them. These bats often cost anywhere from $300 to over $600 because they are crafted from elite-grade English willow and customized to exact professional standards.
For most club cricketers, however, spending several hundred dollars on a player’s edition bat is not always necessary. The key is finding a bat that matches your playing style, preferred weight, sweet spot requirements, and budget. Whether you’re using an entry-level English willow bat or a professional-grade model, the best bat is ultimately the one that feels right when you walk to the crease and confidently face the first ball.
See More: Best Keeley Cricket Bats