Cricket bats are more than just wooden equipment. When legendary cricketers use them to create unforgettable moments — a World Cup-winning six, a record-breaking triple century, or the first-ever six sixes in an over — their value becomes priceless.
Collectors across the world pay astonishing amounts to own these pieces of cricketing history. These bats represent emotion, legacy, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. Here is the complete list of the top 10 most expensive cricket bats ever sold, along with the stories that made them historic.
Top 10 Costliest Cricket Bats – Complete Table
| Rank | Player | Year/Event | Price (INR) | Price (USD) | Why It Became Iconic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Donald Bradman | 1934 Ashes | ₹1.90 Crore | $221,600 | Triple-century and record Ashes series |
| 2 | Brian Lara | 1994 Test vs England | ₹1.50 Crore | $175,000 | World-record 375 runs |
| 3 | MS Dhoni | 2011 World Cup Final | ₹1.00 Crore | $116,700 | Hit the World Cup-winning six |
| 4 | Sachin Tendulkar | 2003 World Cup | ₹1.00 Crore | $116,700 | Used by the “God of Cricket” |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | 2018 Test in England | ₹75 Lakhs | $87,500 | Inspirational comeback century |
| 6 | Steve Smith | 2015 Ashes | ₹60 Lakhs | $70,000 | Match-winning 143 runs |
| 7 | Kumar Sangakkara | 2014 T20 World Cup Final | ₹50 Lakhs | $58,300 | Match-winning 52* in final |
| 8 | AB de Villiers | 2015 ODI Century | ₹45 Lakhs | $52,500 | One of the fastest ODI centuries |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | 2012 T20 World Cup | ₹40 Lakhs | $46,700 | Massive six-hitting tournament |
| 10 | Sir Gary Sobers | 1968 Match | ₹37 Lakhs | $43,200 | First-ever six sixes in an over |
1. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat – ₹1.90 Crore
Most Expensive Cricket Bat Ever in the World
Sir Don Bradman’s 1934 Ashes bat is the costliest cricket bat ever sold. Bradman used it during the iconic Ashes series where he scored a breathtaking 304 runs in a single match and dominated the series with unmatched consistency.
This bat represents:
- Two triple centuries in the series
- One of the greatest partnerships in cricket history
- The peak of Bradman’s genius
Today, it is displayed in a museum in Australia and is considered the crown jewel of global cricket memorabilia.
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2. Brian Lara’s World-Record Bat (1994) – ₹1.50 Crore
Brian Lara created cricket history with this bat when he scored 375 runs, breaking a decades-old Test record. The innings lasted 12 hours and became one of the greatest knocks ever played.
Reasons for its high value:
- Record-breaking 375 runs
- Achieved against England
- One of Test cricket’s greatest innings
This bat symbolizes patience, determination, and unmatched class.
3. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat – ₹1 Crore
India’s Most Valuable Cricket Bat Ever Sold
This is the bat with which MS Dhoni smashed the unforgettable World Cup-winning six against Sri Lanka at Wankhede. That single moment united a nation and ended India’s 28-year World Cup drought.
Why it’s priceless:
- Used in India’s greatest cricket moment
- Belongs to one of the most loved captains
- Symbol of India’s historic 2011 victory
It remains India’s most cherished cricket bat ever auctioned.
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 World Cup Bat – ₹1 Crore
Sachin used this premium English willow bat during the unforgettable 2003 World Cup, where he was the highest run scorer of the tournament.
Reasons behind the value:
- Played by the “God of Cricket”
- Used in a memorable World Cup run
- A fan-favourite collector’s item
Anything linked to Sachin becomes a national treasure, and this bat is no exception.
5. Virat Kohli’s 2018 Test Century Bat – ₹75 Lakhs
This bat is associated with one of Virat Kohli’s greatest comebacks. Critics said he struggled in England, but he responded with a magnificent 149-run knock.
Why collectors value it:
- Strongest symbol of Kohli’s fighting spirit
- Century in challenging English conditions
- Represents modern cricket excellence
It remains one of the most popular bats owned by contemporary cricket fans.
6. Steve Smith’s 2015 Ashes Century Bat – ₹60 Lakhs
Steve Smith used this bat to score a brilliant 143 runs in the Ashes — a knock that shifted the momentum in Australia’s favour.
What makes it valuable:
- Played in one of cricket’s historic rivalries
- Unique unorthodox technique
- Big impact on Ashes 2015 result
Smith’s success and unusual style make this bat a special collectible.
7. Kumar Sangakkara’s 2014 T20 World Cup Bat – ₹50 Lakhs
Sangakkara’s bat from Sri Lanka’s historic T20 World Cup win is treasured because he scored a match-winning 52 in the final*, leading his team to glory.
It is special because:
- Played in Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup title
- Used in Sankgakkara’s farewell tournament
- Holds deep emotional value for fans
8. AB de Villiers’ 2015 Fastest Century Bat – ₹45 Lakhs
AB de Villiers, known as “Mr. 360°”, played one of the fastest centuries ever using this bat. The innings showcased innovation, creativity, and unmatched power-hitting.
Why collectors love it:
- Shot-making that looked superhuman
- A memorable record-breaking century
- Played by one of the most exciting players
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9. Chris Gayle’s 2012 T20 World Cup Bat – ₹40 Lakhs.
Chris Gayle used this bat during a dominating T20 World Cup, where he smashed massive sixes and powered West Indies to their title run.
Reasons for its high price:
- Gayle’s unmatched power-hitting
- One of his most destructive tournaments
- Represented peak T20 entertainment
10. Sir Gary Sobers’ 1968 Six-Sixes Bat – ₹37 Lakhs
This bat is associated with a moment etched forever in cricket history — the first-ever six sixes in an over.
Why it’s iconic:
- Belongs to one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders
- Connected to an unrepeatable moment
- A priceless piece of cricket heritage
Even decades later, it continues to be a marvel for collectors.
Why These Cricket Bats Are So Expensive
These bats are costliest not because of willow quality but because of:
- Historic achievements
- Emotional connection with fans
- Legendary status of players
- Record-breaking innings
- Rare and irreplaceable significance
- Auction demand among collectors
These bats are pieces of cricket’s soul — memories carved into willow.
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Final Words
The world of cricket memorabilia shows how deeply this sport touches people’s hearts. From Bradman’s unbeatable 1934 bat to Dhoni’s World Cup-winning willow, each bat on this list carries a story that shaped cricket history.
The most expensive cricket bat in the world remains Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes bat, a timeless reminder of the greatest-ever cricketer.
These bats are not luxury items — they are emotions, memories, and symbols of greatness.
