Starting My Cricket Gear Investigation
Got curious about Virat Kohli’s bat details after seeing online chatter. Nobody had solid numbers, just guesses. So I grabbed my trusty digital scale and headed to the local sports shop. Wanted actual weights, not marketing fluff.
Step one was handling bats claiming “Kohli specs”. Picked up three different models all screaming “international standard”. First one felt light like a toy – scale showed 1.15 kilos. Guy behind the counter swore it matched Virat’s, but nah, didn’t buy it. Too hollow feeling.
Second bat? Absolute log. Nearly threw my back out lifting it casually. Weighed it right there: 1.35 kilos. Owner shrugged: “Pros use heavy wood, brother.” Walked away fast – wrists cried just imagining a cover drive.
Real work began finding middle ground. Spent hours pulling bats off racks:
- Knocked willow against concrete floor listening for dead spots
- Felt ridges under the grip tape checking for reinforcement
- Compared toe shapes under harsh shop lights
Settled on two contenders around 1.2–1.25 kilos. One had extra rubber backing near the handle – probably adds vibration control. Other felt springier during shadow swings.
The Weight Revelation
Took both bats home for proper testing. Taped phone slow-mo on a tripod. Hit 50 tennis balls each off a tee:
- Lighter bat (1.21kg): Faster swing but ball died quicker
- Heavier bat (1.24kg): Needed muscle early but carried farther
Epiphany hit overnight: Pros swap weights constantly. Kohli probably rotates between 1.18–1.28kg depending on pitch and bowler. That shop owner wasn’t entirely wrong – just oversimplifying.
Finished sanding edges on the 1.24kg bat today. Added two grip layers for thickness. Feels solid now – not factory stiff, not noodle soft. Maybe not exactly Kohli’s, but bloody close for regular folks. Moral? Don’t chase stars; find what makes your timing click.
