Cricket is a worldwide fascination, more than just a sport. Fans want to possess a piece of that enchantment, which occasionally entails purchasing the priciest bat available. These bats go beyond their intended usage and become famous pieces of sporting history, whether it’s the bat that broke a century-long record or a legendary cricket player’s autograph. These are the ten most costly bats ever sold or put up for auction; each has a fascinating backstory and an astounding price tag.
1. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat – Approx ₹1.9 Crore
Don Bradman’s 1934 Ashes bat, widely considered the most costly cricket bat in the world, is at the top of the list. This bat, which was made by William Sykes & Son, helped Bradman reach his famous triple century against England. It became the most expensive bat when it sold for an incredible ₹1.9 crore at an auction in 2021 and is currently housed in the Bradman Museum in Bowral.
2. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat – Approx ₹1.5 Crore
In 2011, “Captain Cool” MS Dhoni made cricket history by smashing the winning six at Wankhede Stadium. One of the most costly cricket bats in the world and a valuable collector’s item, that renowned bat brought almost ₹1.5 crore at auction.
3. Sir Garfield “Gary” Sobers’ Six-Sixes Bat (1968) – Approx ₹1.2 Crore
Using a Gray-Nicolls (or Slazenger) bat, Garfield Sobers became the first batsman to hit six sixes in a single over in 1968. In addition to being historic, that bat sold for about ₹1.2 crore at auction, making it one of the priciest cricket bat collectibles ever.
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 ODI World Cup Bat – Approx ₹1 Crore
Sachin Tendulkar, the master batsman for India, scored the most runs at the 2003 World Cup. His bat from that competition sold for around ₹1 crore at auction, making it one of the priciest bat souvenirs in the world.
5. Brian Lara’s 1994 Record-Breaking Bat – Approx ₹80 Lakhs
Brian Lara is still remembered for his 1994 Test double-record 375 against England. The bat used in that momentous knock went for about ₹80 lakhs, making it one of the top ten most costly bats in cricket history.
6. Virat Kohli’s 2018 Test Century Bat – Approx ₹75 Lakhs
In 2018, when facing the notorious “English jinx,” virat Kohli hushed his detractors with a commanding 149 at Edgbaston. At auction, his bat brought ₹75 lakhs, making it one of the priciest cricket bats ever collected.
7. Steve Smith’s 2015 Ashes Bat – Approx ₹60 Lakhs
In the 2015 Ashes series, Steve Smith’s unorthodox style produced dominant performances. The bat he used sold for ₹60 lakhs, placing it firmly in the top ten most costly bats.
8. Kumar Sangakkara’s 2014 T20 World Cup Bat – Approx ₹50 Lakhs
Sangakkara’s calm 52* helped Sri Lanka win the 2014 T20 final. Among the top ten most costly bats, the one went for ₹50 lakhs.
9. AB de Villiers’ Fastest ODI Century Bat – Approx ₹45 Lakhs
“Mr. 360°” AB de villiers achieved a scorching ODI century in just thirty-one balls. His bat, which was linked to this amazing accomplishment, sold for about ₹45 lakhs, making it even another pricey bat.
10. Chris Gayle’s 2012 T20 World Cup Bat – Approx ₹40 Lakhs
Chris Gayle status as a T20 legend was cemented with his spectacular performance at the 2012 T20 World Cup. The bat utilised in that campaign was one of the top 10 most expensive bats, selling for ₹40 lakhs.
Conclusion
The tale, legacy, and association with a pivotal time in cricket define the most costly cricket bat in the world, not the craftsmanship or materials used. These coveted top ten most expensive bats, from Bradman’s bat to Dhoni’s World Cup exploits, better capture the essence of the game than any statistic could. They are not only pricey to fans and collectors, but they are also considered legendary.
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