Cricket evolves, tech improves, but the fundamentals of choosing a good beginner cricket bat stay much the same. The right bat can make a huge difference to your technique, confidence, and enjoyment. Here's what to look for — followed by 10 good bats for beginners this year.
What Beginners Should Look for in a Cricket Bat
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight & Pickup | Too heavy = hard to control, tiring; too light = less power. For younger or newer players, a lighter bat helps you learn form without strain. |
| Willow Type (Kashmir vs English vs others) | Kashmir willow is cheaper, durable and good for early practice; English willow gives more performance but costs more. Beginners can start with Kashmir and upgrade later. |
| Sweet Spot Position | Mid to mid-low sweet spot helps with both front-foot & back-foot shots. Beginners often benefit from forgiving (“big”) sweet spots. |
| Handle quality & grip | Good grip, cane handle with shock absorption helps manage vibrations and improves comfort. |
| Blade profile, edges & toe protection | Thick edges help on off-centre hits; toe protection helps the bat last longer. |
| Proper sizing | Get bat size according to your height/age so the bat isn’t too large or too small. |
Also, a note from recent guidance: many sources list beginner Kashmir willow bats in the ₹2,000-₹3,000 range in India as good starter options. cricketclass.com
Top 10 Cricket Bats for Beginners in 2025
Here are 10 cricket bats (and a few kits) that offer solid value, performance, and are especially suitable for new players. I include some that are purely bats, others that are kits if you need more than just the bat.
Here are 8 good bat-only options (or nearly bat-focused) and 2 kits. Prices are indicative (in India) and may vary.