Batting Stance and Grip in Cricket
How to hold a cricket bat, the correct batting stance, and how the grip and setup affect a batter's ability to play all shots.
The batting grip and stance are the foundations of everything in batting technique. A correct grip allows the bat to flow naturally through the shot; an incorrect grip restricts movement and causes false strokes. The stance provides the platform from which all footwork and shots begin.
The Cricket Bat Grip
For a right-handed batter, the top hand (left hand) holds the bat above the bottom hand (right hand). The 'V' formed by the thumb and forefinger of both hands should point roughly toward the outside edge of the bat — not straight down the face. This 'two V's aligned' grip allows free wrist rotation for off-side shots and control on the leg side. The grip should be firm but not tight — squeezing too hard reduces the ability to flow through the shot. The lower hand provides power; the upper hand provides control and direction.
The Batting Stance
- Feet shoulder-width apart, positioned in the batting crease
- Knees slightly bent — ready to move quickly in any direction
- Weight balanced on the balls of both feet, slightly forward
- Front shoulder pointing roughly toward the bowler
- Bat resting behind the right heel (for right-handers)
- Eyes level with the ground — both eyes facing the bowler
- Head still and upright — any head movement at the moment of delivery causes errors
Open vs Closed Stance
Some elite batters use an 'open' stance (front foot angled toward point, chest more visible to the bowler) or a 'closed' stance (front foot angled toward mid-on, more side-on). Virat Kohli uses a relatively open stance; Steve Smith uses an unusually open, wide stance that is idiosyncratic but clearly effective. The traditional coaching 'side-on' orthodox stance gives the best base for playing both sides of the wicket, but elite batters adapt their stance to their strengths and the conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some T20 batters use a different grip?
T20 batters sometimes grip the bat lower (closer to the bottom) for maximum power in slogging shots, especially when batting in the death overs. Some use a 'double' bottom-hand grip where both hands are low on the handle, sacrificing control for maximum bat speed. This approach would be disastrous in Test cricket (where control is essential) but can be effective in 6-ball bursts at T20 death overs.