Cricket, a sport of willow and leather, has seen some iconic moments etched into history, often involving bats that have become legendary in their own right. These aren't just pieces of wood; they're artifacts of cricketing history, carrying the weight of memorable innings and the sweat of cricketing greats. Here's a look at the top 10 most expensive cricket bats ever sold:
Chris Gayle's bat from the 2012 T20 World Cup, where he scored an unbeaten 117 against England, was sold for ₹40 lakh ($1.6 million USD).
One of the most memorable cricketers of all time, Chris Gayle's bat from the 2012 T20 World Cup symbolizes his dominance and the West Indies' historic victory. Manufactured by the cricket tycoon’s personal preference, Spartan, this bat played a crucial role in Gayle's explosive performances throughout the tournament, where he scored 222 runs in seven matches.
AB de Villiers' bat from his 2015 ODI century against West Indies was sold for ₹45 lakh ($1.6 million USD). Often regarded as South Africa’s Sachin, AB de Villiers is easily one of the most followed cricketers worldwide, with memorabilia fetching sky-high prices. During the peak of his career, AB scored a century within 32 balls with his tailor-made Kookaburra bat. This incredible feat occurred in Johannesburg in 2015 with team West Indies on the other side.
Kumar Sangakkara's bat from the 2014 World Cup, where he scored a brilliant double century against Bangladesh, was auctioned for ₹50 lakh ($1.6 million USD). Sri Lanka’s global cricket sensation, Kumar Sangakkara, belongs to the rarest breed of cricketers who can flaunt elegant left-handed batting with impeccable technique and flawless wicket-keeping skills as well. Sangakkara's legendary performance in the 2014 T20 World Cup final is a shining statement of his cricketing prowess.
Steve Smith's bat from his 2015 Ashes century against England was sold for ₹60 lakh ($1.6 million USD). One of the most talented cricketers of modern-day cricket, Steve Smith, stands among Australia’s most celebrated batsmen. Steve has given the world several memorable moments, one of them being the fifth and final Test at The Oval, where Smith scored a crucial century with 143 runs, securing a lead for team Australia.
Virat Kohli's bat from his 2018 Test century against England was auctioned for ₹75 lakh ($1.6 million USD). Virat Kohli’s legendary innings at Edgbaston in 2018 are famously etched in cricketing history, not just for the runs but also for the story behind them. Back then, King Kohli fell victim to serious criticism for his questionable performance from both the media and his fandom. Kohli silenced his critics with a masterful 149 runs score against a fierce English Cricket Team, establishing himself to be greater than the popular "English curse" that had plagued him. The bat used by Kohli to pull off his shots was a Grade A English Willow bat, which is now one of the most expensive bats in cricket history.
Brian Lara's bat from his historic 1994 Test innings against England, where he scored a record-breaking 375 runs, was sold for ₹80 lakh ($1.6 million USD). Brian Lara's bat from his record-breaking 375-run innings against England in 1994, surpassing Sir Garfield Sobers' long-standing record, fetched a staggering Rs. 1.5 crores at auction. This iconic bat, wielded for over 12 hours at the crease, symbolizes Lara's extraordinary skill and endurance, and remains a cherished artifact in cricket history.
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The bat used by Sachin Tendulkar during the 2003 World Cup, where he scored a brilliant century against Pakistan, was auctioned for ₹1 crore ($1.6 million USD).
The idea of heaven without God and a conversation about cricket without mentioning Sachin is just as vague as a foggy road on a winter morning. Sachin’s merchandise, even from the early days of his career, has always been wildly popular among the fans of our beloved Master Blaster. Sachin’s 2003 World Cup Bat easily ranks among the most valuable of these collectibles.
Gary Sobers' bat from the 1968 County Championship match, where he famously hit six sixes in an over, was sold for ₹1.2 crore ($1.6 million USD) at an auction.
Sir Garfield Sobers, a legendary West Indian cricketer, was renowned for his exceptional all-round skills. He achieved cricketing immortality by becoming the first player to hit six sixes in an over during a County Championship match for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968.
The bat used by MS Dhoni to hit the winning six in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka is another iconic piece of cricketing memorabilia. This Reebok bat was auctioned for ₹1.5 crore ($2 million USD) in December 2021.
Renowned as 'Captain Cool,' Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably India's most celebrated cricketer. His immense popularity is evident in the legions of fans who eagerly collect his memorabilia.
This iconic bat, wielded by Dhoni to clinch the 2011 World Cup victory against Sri Lanka with a powerful six, holds a special place in cricketing history. This victory, ending a 28-year drought, not only brought India the coveted trophy but also solidified Dhoni's status as a legendary captain.
This bat, used by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman during the 1934 Ashes series, holds the record for being the most expensive cricket bat ever sold. It fetched a staggering ₹1.9 crore (approximately $1.6 million USD) at an auction in 2021.
Sir Donald Bradman's 1934 Ashes bat, crafted by William Sykes & Son, holds the record for the most expensive cricket bat ever sold. Used during his dominant Ashes campaign, including a triple century, and is now displayed at the Bradman Museum.
These bats, apart from being valuable pieces of cricketing memorabilia, also symbolize the passion and dedication of these legendary cricketers. They serve as a reminder of the incredible moments they have created on the field and the impact they have had on the sport.
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