India’s ODI series in New Zealand has started, Kohli is scoring again, and every colony ground will be full this weekend. If your old bat has a crack held together by tape and hope, here is our list of the best tennis ball cricket bat options under Rs 4,000 for gully cricket. All six are Kashmir willow scoop bats from SG and Strauss, sold in India this November.
Quick reminder: these are tennis ball bats. Do not take them to a leather ball net session unless you want to buy another one next week.
Best tennis ball cricket bat under Rs 4,000: quick comparison
| Bat | Weight | Handle | MRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG T-800 | 1,100-1,200 g | Full cane | Rs 1,799 |
| SG T-Flame | 1,080-1,120 g | Rubber grip | Rs 2,199 |
| SG T-1200 | Not listed | Full cane | Rs 2,299 |
| SG T-1600 | 1,100-1,200 g | Full cane | Rs 2,999 |
| SG T-Dominor | Not listed (lightweight) | Reinforced | Rs 3,999 |
| Strauss Grand Edition | About 900-1,050 g | Half cane | Rs 3,999 |
The 6 picks
1. SG T-800 Kashmir Willow Tennis Bat
The entry ticket to a branded SG bat. It has the same long scoop blade as the pricier T-series bats, at the lowest MRP in the range.
Best for: Beginners, weekend players, first SG bat
- Kashmir willow, scoop design
- 1,100-1,200 g
- Full cane handle, 28.5 cm
- Blade 60.5 cm long and 12 cm wide; comes with a bat cover
The catch: At up to 1,200 g it can feel heavy for younger players or anyone who likes a quick, wristy swing.
2. SG T-Flame Tennis Bat
This is the one your friends will notice first, thanks to the burn-style finish. Underneath the looks it is a light Kashmir willow scoop bat with a soft grip.
Best for: Players who want a lighter pickup and a bat that stands out
- Lightweight Kashmir willow
- 1,080-1,120 g
- Non-slip soft rubber grip
- Blade about 4.5 inches wide with a scoop design
The catch: Most of the extra money over the T-800 goes into the design, not the wood.
3. SG T-1200 Kashmir Willow Scoop Bat
A middle step in the SG line with a long, wide blade and a balanced feel. It is a good choice if the T-800 felt too basic but the T-1600 feels like a stretch.
Best for: Regular players who want a step up from entry-level
- Premium Kashmir willow, scoop design
- Full cane handle for shock absorption
- Short handle size, 85 cm long
- Comes with a bat cover
The catch: SG does not list an exact weight for this one, so check the listing or pick it up at a shop before you commit.
4. SG T-1600 Kashmir Willow Tennis Bat
The T-1600 adds thicker edges, which helps when you mistime a shot and still want it to clear the wall. Works with both hard and soft tennis balls.
Best for: Power hitters, box cricket regulars, local tournament players
- Kashmir willow, scoop design
- 1,100-1,200 g
- 40 mm edges
- Full cane handle, 28.5 cm; blade 60.5 cm by 12 cm
The catch: Same weight range as the T-800, so do not expect it to feel lighter despite the higher price.
5. SG T-Dominor Scoop Bat
SG’s top tennis bat in this list. The scoop is shaped for bat speed, which matters when the bowler in your gully thinks he is Bumrah.
Best for: Serious tennis ball players and tournament teams
- Premium Kashmir willow
- Lightweight scoop design
- Reinforced handle with a grip that cuts vibration
- Built for tennis ball cricket
The catch: It is the most expensive SG here, and the published specs are thin. You are paying partly for the name.
6. Strauss Grand Edition Scoop Bat
The lightest bat on this list, which makes it easier to swing for teenagers and anyone who plays long evening sessions.
Best for: Teenagers, lighter-bat fans, long sessions
- Kashmir willow, scoop design
- About 900-1,050 g
- Half cane handle
- Short handle size, made in India
The catch: A half cane handle absorbs less shock than the full cane on the SG bats, so off-centre hits sting more.
How to choose a tennis ball cricket bat
- Kashmir willow is enough. English willow is meant for leather balls. For tennis or tape ball, Kashmir willow does the job at a fraction of the cost.
- Weight decides your game. Around 1,000 g suits quick hands and younger players. 1,100-1,200 g gives more power if you can control it.
- Scoop bats pick up lighter. The hollowed back moves weight to the edges, so the bat feels lighter than its actual weight.
- Size SH fits most adults. Short handle is the standard size for grown-ups. Kids need smaller sizes.
- Match the ball. These bats are made for tennis and tape balls. A leather ball can crack them.
Our pick
For most gully cricketers, the SG T-800 gives you a branded bat at the lowest MRP here. Power hitters should look at the SG T-1600, and if you want something light, the Strauss Grand Edition is the easiest to swing. While you are in cricket mode, catch up on how Kohli’s 74 sealed the first ODI in Auckland and how Prema Rawat created history in women’s T20 cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best tennis ball cricket bat under Rs 4,000?
For most players, the SG T-800 is the best value, with an MRP of Rs 1,799. Power hitters should consider the SG T-1600, which has 40 mm edges.
Is Kashmir willow good for tennis ball cricket?
Yes. Kashmir willow is durable and cheaper than English willow, and it handles tennis and tape balls well. English willow is meant for leather ball cricket.
What weight should a tennis ball bat be?
Most adult tennis ball bats weigh between 1,000 g and 1,200 g. Lighter bats suit quick swings and younger players; heavier ones give more power.
Can I use a tennis ball bat with a leather ball?
No. Tennis ball bats are not built for the impact of a leather ball and can crack.
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