Cricket Batting Stance: Fundamentals and Modern Variations
A complete guide to cricket batting stances — from the traditional side-on stance to the open-chested modern approach used by T20 batters and Test greats alike.
What Is a Batting Stance?
A batting stance is the position a batter adopts before the bowler releases the ball — their foot alignment, body angle, bat position, head position, and weight distribution. A good stance allows the batter to move efficiently to both the off and on side, maintain balance, and see the ball clearly with both eyes. There is no single 'correct' stance — different batters succeed with different approaches.
The Traditional Side-On Stance
The traditional side-on stance positions the batter with their front shoulder pointing toward the bowler, presenting as narrow a target as possible. The feet are approximately parallel to the crease, the knees slightly bent, the head still, and both eyes focused on the bowler. This stance was championed by coaching orthodoxy throughout the 20th century and is associated with technically correct strokeplay. Geoff Boycott, Sunil Gavaskar, and Rahul Dravid exemplified this approach.
The Open or Chest-On Stance
An open stance turns the batter's body more toward the bowler — with the chest facing mid-on rather than point. This provides a wider arc of shot-making, particularly to the on side and leg side, and gives both eyes a clearer view of the ball. Many T20 specialists and aggressive ODI batters use open stances. Virender Sehwag's near chest-on stance allowed his extraordinary off-side dominance. AB de Villiers' stance shifted depending on the bowler.
Bat Grip and Stance Interaction
The stance is inseparable from the grip. A top-hand dominant grip (V-shaped between thumb and forefinger pointing to the outside edge) suits a more side-on stance. A strong bottom-hand grip (rotated clockwise for a right-hander) suits a more open stance and generates more power through the leg side and mid-wicket. Coaches analyse grip and stance together in player development programmes.
Sachin Tendulkar's Stance
Sachin Tendulkar's stance was near-perfectly orthodox — side-on, still head, high elbow on the backlift — yet his trigger movement toward the off stump gave him more space to play to the on side. His technique became the coaching textbook definition for young Indian batters for decades.
Adjustments for Different Formats
Test batters often adopt more conservative stances — prioritising defence and balance over attack. T20 batters may widen their stance (lower centre of gravity for more power), position themselves back of the crease to maximise swing space, or pre-meditate movements (backing away to leg, charging down the pitch). The best batters adjust their stance dynamically based on the bowler, the match situation, and the pitch conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best batting stance in cricket?
There is no single best stance — what matters is that the stance allows balanced movement to both sides, a clear view of the bowler, and the ability to play a full range of shots. Side-on stances suit traditional technique; open stances suit aggressive hitting.
Should you have an open or closed stance in cricket?
Both work at the highest level. Traditional coaching recommends a side-on stance for balance and orthodoxy. Modern T20 cricket has validated more open stances for power-hitting. Most elite batters use something between the two extremes.
What is the trigger movement in cricket batting?
A trigger movement is a small pre-delivery movement — typically a rock back, step across, or weight transfer — that a batter makes as the bowler delivers, to get their feet moving and their weight balanced before the ball is bowled.