The most expensive cricket bats in the world are often connected to unforgettable matches, legendary players, and rare achievements, with prices soaring up to ₹1.9 Crore.
Want the full story behind these iconic bats? Keep reading!
Some cricket bats are worth more than gold — not because of the wood but because of the memories they hold.
From MS Dhoni’s World Cup-winning bat to Sir Don Bradman’s masterpiece, these bats are treasures of the cricket world.
Factors That Make a Cricket Bat Expensive
- Historic Moments: Bats used during iconic matches or record-breaking performances.
- Celebrity Ownership: Bats held or signed by cricketing legends.
- Material Quality: Rare, premium-grade English willow.
- Brand Prestige: Trusted brands like Gray-Nicolls and Kookaburra.
- Auction Competition: The more the bidders, the higher the price!
“It’s not just a bat; it’s a piece of history.” — Cricket Memorabilia Expert
Top 10 Most Expensive Cricket Bats
1. Chris Gayle’s 2012 T20 World Cup Bat – ₹40 Lakhs
This bat reflects Gayle’s brute power and showmanship on the biggest stage.
Highlights:
- Dominated bowlers during the 2012 T20 World Cup
- Led West Indies to a historic title
- Created memories of endless sixes and celebrations
2. AB de Villiers’ Fastest ODI Century Bat – ₹45 Lakhs
“Mr. 360°” showed with this bat that no record was too far out of reach.
Highlights:
- Blasted a 31-ball century (fastest ever in ODIs)
- Smashed records for sixes and strike rates
- Redefined attacking cricket
3. Kumar Sangakkara’s 2014 T20 World Cup Bat – ₹50 Lakhs
One last masterstroke with this bat gave Sangakkara the perfect farewell in T20 cricket.
Highlights:
- Man of the Match in the T20 World Cup Final
- Scored a calm and composed 52 not out
- Sealed Sri Lanka’s maiden T20 World Cup title
4. Steve Smith’s 2015 Ashes Series Bat – ₹60 Lakhs
This bat was Smith’s companion during an Ashes performance that tilted the series.
Highlights:
- Scored 508 runs across the 2015 Ashes
- Brought unconventional batting to the forefront
- Outfoxed some of the world’s best bowlers
5. Virat Kohli’s 2018 Test Century Bat – ₹75 Lakhs
A bat that answered every critic when Kohli produced a masterclass on English soil.
Highlights:
- Scored 149 runs at Edgbaston
- Proved himself in swinging English conditions
- Became the world’s top-ranked Test batsman
6. Brian Lara’s 375-Run Innings Bat – ₹80 Lakhs
Lara rewrote records and inspired awe with his elegant strokeplay using this very bat.
Highlights:
- Scored a then-world record 375 runs (Test cricket)
- Batted for nearly 13 hours
- Raised the standards of batting brilliance
7. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 World Cup Bat – ₹1 Crore
This bat witnessed Sachin at his prime, carrying India’s dreams on his shoulders.
Highlights:
- Top scorer of the 2003 World Cup
- Dominated every major bowling attack
- Won the “Player of the Tournament” award
8. Sir Garfield Sobers’ Six Sixes Bat – ₹1.2 Crore
With this bat, Sobers made history by smashing six sixes in an over for the very first time.
Highlights:
- First to achieve six sixes in one over (1968)
- Changed the way aggressive batting was seen
- Still celebrated as a moment of fearless play
9. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat – ₹1.5 Crore
Dhoni finished the game with a six — and finished millions of fans’ long wait for glory.
Highlights:
- Hit the winning six against Sri Lanka
- Lifted the World Cup after 28 years
- Cemented Dhoni’s “Captain Cool” image
10. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat – ₹1.9 Crore
This bat was in Bradman’s hands during some of his greatest innings. It symbolizes a time when cricket stories became legends.
Highlights:
- Scored 304 at Leeds and 244 at The Oval (1934 Ashes)
- Regarded as Australia’s national treasure
- Belongs in the heart of cricket folklore
Comparison Table of Top Bats
| Rank | Bat | Player | Price (₹) | Special Moment |
| 1 | 1934 Ashes Bat | Sir Donald Bradman | 1.9 Crore | Historic Ashes centuries |
| 2 | 2011 World Cup Final Bat | MS Dhoni | 1.5 Crore | Winning six |
| 3 | Six Sixes Bat | Sir Garfield Sobers | 1.2 Crore | Six sixes in an over |
| 4 | 2003 World Cup Bat | Sachin Tendulkar | 1 Crore | Top World Cup scorer |
| 5 | 375-Run Bat | Brian Lara | 80 Lakhs | Record Test innings |
| 6 | 2018 Test Century Bat | Virat Kohli | 75 Lakhs | Century at Edgbaston |
| 7 | 2015 Ashes Series Bat | Steve Smith | 60 Lakhs | Dominated Ashes series |
| 8 | 2014 T20 World Cup Bat | Kumar Sangakkara | 50 Lakhs | Match-winning knock |
| 9 | Fastest ODI Century Bat | AB de Villiers | 45 Lakhs | 31-ball century |
| 10 | 2012 T20 World Cup Bat | Chris Gayle | 40 Lakhs | T20 World Cup triumph |
Why Do Collectors Pay So Much?
- Emotional Value: It’s about owning a part of unforgettable cricketing moments.
- Rarity: There’s usually only one bat associated with a historic match or innings.
- Investment: Cricket memorabilia often appreciates in value over time.
“You’re not just buying wood and glue. You’re buying stories that millions witnessed.” — Auction Specialist
Conclusion:
Some bats are more than just equipment — they’re part of cricket’s soul. Whether it’s Dhoni’s six or Bradman’s triple century, these bats carry emotions, pride, and memories that no money can truly measure.
FAQs:
Q1: Which is the most expensive cricket bat ever sold?
A: Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes bat, sold for ₹1.9 Crore.
Q2: Why do players’ bats become so valuable?
A: The value rises based on the player’s fame, the historical moment attached, and the rarity of the item.
Q3: Are such bats usually displayed publicly?
A: Some are in museums, but many remain in private collections or are auctioned again later.