Cricket is a game that is continuously evolving when it comes to techniques and equipment. One essential piece of protective gear used by players is Cricket Gloves.
In the early days of cricket, Cricket Gloves were made with thin leather and provided minimum protection to the player’s hands.
Over the years, these gloves have undergone remarkable transformation.
As players started demanding better quality equipment, these gloves became more padded and comfortable.
They are now capable of providing comfort and protection while enhancing the player’s overall performance.
These gloves are essential for any player, but especially for batsmen who seldom have to take the high impact of a heavy and speeding cricket ball.
Whether you’re a budding cricketer or a seasoned professional, selecting the right gloves can significantly impact your game.
This is why we shall walk you through various options, from budget-friendly to premium gloves so that you can get the best deal!
What are Cricket Gloves? Types and Uses
Cricket gloves are essential to a player’s kit. They are primarily designed to protect the hands during play.
There are ample incidents in the history of international cricket where players seriously injure their fingers during a match.
Recently, England’s Joe Root suffered an injury to his right finger during their second test against India. The player couldn’t complete the match and was forced off-field.
This is why high-quality gloves are a necessity. These gloves come in various types, depending on their use and the player’s role in the game.
The ICC provides certain guidelines for the use of wicketkeeping and batting gloves under its ‘Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations‘ brochure.
For instance, in Test matches, more than half of the protective area of the glove must be white.
Subsequently, in ODIs and T20Is, more than half of the protective area of the glove must either be white or the same colour as the base of the playing team’s jersey.
Cricket Gloves for Batting: Role in Protecting Hands
Batting gloves are specifically designed to shield the hands from high-speed balls. These gloves provide padding and protection to the palm, fingers and wrists.
Additionally, they help to maintain grip and comfort.
Key Features to Look for When Buying Cricket Gloves for Kids
When buying batting gloves for your kid’s little hands, it’s very important to prioritise their safety and comfort.
You should ensure that the gloves are proportionate to the size of their hands. A speeding ball can even lead to hairline fractures in the fingers.
Therefore, these gloves should have adequate padding on the fingers and palms for maximum protection.
Additionally, a snug but flexible fit is ideal to avoid discomfort. It is also advisable to go for breathable materials that keep the gloves lightweight during long hours of play.
Top Cricket Gloves Brands: What to Expect
When it comes to protective cricket equipment, it is always advisable to invest in brands that offer premium quality. Let us look at some of the top brands:
SS Cricket Gloves
Sareen Sports is a popular sports equipment brand known for its affordable and durable cricket gear.
SS cricket gloves often feature excellent fitting, soft leather palms, dense padding, and high-quality nylon tape for better grip making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned players.
MRF Cricket Gloves
MRF cricket gloves are made with super soft premium English pittard.
These gloves feature pre-bent fibre, finger protection, premium leather and an enhanced grip
Their gloves offer durability with high-density foam padding, lightweight designs, and superior wrist support, making them a favourite among professional players.
Adidas Cricket Gloves
Adidas cricket gloves are a combination of innovation and quality.
These gloves offer flexibility and breathability, ensuring that your hands stay cool during intense matches.
Masuri Cricket Gloves
Masuri gloves are premium quality cricket gear.
These gloves provide split-finger multi-flex construction that gives you protection in high-impact areas.
They are primarily for professionals who seek top-tier safety features.
Importance of Selecting the Right Gloves for Performance and Protection
Choosing the right pair of gloves can significantly affect your game.
A well-fitted glove offers improved grip, better control over the bat, and sufficient protection against fastballs.
If you don’t invest in the right pair, you might have to pay with discomfort, lack of control, and even injury.
Variety of Cricket Gloves: From Professionals to Kids
Cricket gloves come in various sizes and designs customized for professionals and amateur players. Professional gloves typically feature enhanced padding, advanced grip technology, and materials designed for long-lasting performance.
For kids and tennis cricket players, gloves are often lighter and focus on comfort without compromising on protection.
Cricket Gloves Price Guide: Find the Best Deals
Depending on your budget, there is a wide variety of cricket gloves available. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:
Under ₹500: Affordable Option
For players on a tight budget, gloves under ₹500 provide basic protection and functionality. These gloves are great for beginners or recreational players who don’t require advanced features.
Under ₹1,000: MidRange Options
Midrange gloves ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000 offer better quality, more padding, and enhanced durability.
Ideal for school teams and amateur players, these gloves strike a balance between affordability and performance.
Under ₹2,000: Premium Options
Gloves priced between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 are often designed for serious cricketers. These premium gloves offer superior protection, advanced grip technology, and a comfortable fit, making them perfect for competitive play.
Tips to Choose the Right Cricket Gloves for You
When buying cricket gloves, keep these factors in mind to ensure you make the best choice:
Size
The gloves should fit your hands snugly but should not restrict or hamper movement.
Fit
A glove that’s too tight or too loose can negatively affect your performance. Try the pair before buying to ensure a perfect fit.
Material
During long hours of play, sweaty hands can be extremely uncomfortable and can even cause irritation and chafing. This is why you should look for breathable materials to avoid sweaty palms.
Padding
A cricket ball is heavy. With the addition of speed, the ball can cause serious injuries to any body part it hits.
To avoid this, make sure your cricket glove has enough padding to protect your hands from impact without being too bulky.
Cricket Gloves HSN Code: What You Need to Know
The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) is a systematized classification of goods from all over the world. The HSN code for cricket gloves is 43032110.
This code is used for the classification of gloves under sports accessories during export, import, trade and taxation purposes.
How to Clean Your Gloves?
If you want to ensure that your gloves have a long life, you must maintain and clean them regularly. Here’s a quick cleaning guide:
Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface after each game to remove dirt and sweat.
Always let your gloves air dry after use. Dampness can lead to fungal formation or depletion of the outer layer of padding.
You should also avoid direct sunlight or heat sources for prolonged hours.
Occasionally, use mild soap and water to clean the gloves from the inside and the outside.
Conclusion
Choosing the right batting gloves depends on your playing level, budget, and personal preferences.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable pair or high-end performance gloves, your protection and comfort are non-negotiables.
FAQs
Best cricket glove under ₹1,000?
SS and MRF offer excellent options under ₹1,000, providing a good balance of affordability and durability.
How do I choose the right size for my gloves?
Measure your hand from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger and refer to size charts from manufacturers. If you’re buying from an offline store, put the gloves on before buying them.
Which brand offers the best cricket batting gloves?
Adidas and Masuri are popular for their high-quality gloves, particularly in the premium category. Even professional players prefer these brands.
How much do cricket gloves cost?
Prices can range from ₹500 for basic models to ₹2,000 or more for premium gloves.
How do I clean and maintain my gloves?
Cleaning them after every use and keeping the gloves dry will ensure their long life.