Cricket

MRF Power VK 18 English Willow Cricket Bat Review & Buying Guide (India)

A buying guide to the MRF Power VK 18 English willow bat — Virat Kohli's series — covering its profile, pickup, who it suits and value at its India price.

Instasport Admin

• 3 min read
MRF Power VK 18 English willow cricket bat, short handle

MRF Power VK 18 review: the VK18 willow bat for stroke-makers

MRF's VK18 line carries one of the most famous endorsements in the game — it is the series associated with Virat Kohli — and the MRF Power VK 18 brings that branding to a keenly priced English willow bat. In India it sells for ₹13,799 (down from ₹18,399) in short handle. Here is what it offers and who should buy it.

Willow, grains and profile

The Power VK 18 is made from selected English willow, typically showing around 7 to 10 straight grains — a grain count that points to a good balance of performance and durability. It pairs a curved blade with thick edges and a mid-to-full profile, with scooping at the back to keep the weight distribution balanced. The result is a bat built for confident, attacking stroke play rather than pure nudge-and-defend cricket.

Pickup and feel

The rounded Sarawak-cane handle helps the bat feel lively in the hands, and the profile is designed to bring the middle of the bat into play through the drive and the pull. As with any willow bat, pickup is partly about the individual piece, so if you can, check the weight in hand — most club players are well served by a bat in the 1.2–1.3 kg range that feels lighter than it weighs.

Who should buy it

This is a bat for intermediate to advanced batters who like to dominate, value the VK18 branding, and want genuine English willow without paying top-tier grade-1 prices. Beginners and occasional players do not need this much bat; a cheaper willow or a Kashmir willow option will serve them better while they develop.

MRF alternatives to consider

If ₹13,799 stretches your budget, the MRF Power 300 (₹9,379) is a friendlier English willow entry point. If you want to step up, the MRF Genius Muscle (₹15,899) and the grade-1 MRF Genius Grand Supreme (₹17,099) move you up the willow ladder.

Knock it in first

Whichever willow bat you buy, knock it in properly before facing a hard ball — a few hours of mallet work and gentle net sessions compress the fibres and dramatically reduce the risk of cracking. Treat the surface with a little raw linseed oil if it is unprotected.

Value verdict

At its discounted India price, the MRF Power VK 18 is a tempting buy for stroke-making club cricketers who want recognised branding and real English willow. It will not turn an off-day around on its own, but for the attacking batter it offers a balanced, edge-heavy blade at a fair price.

Shop the gear

Frequently asked questions

Is the MRF Power VK 18 a good cricket bat?

Yes, for intermediate to advanced batters who like attacking stroke play. It is made from selected English willow with thick edges and a balanced profile, and at ₹13,799 it offers genuine English willow with recognised VK18 branding at a fair price.

How many grains does the MRF Power VK 18 have?

It typically shows around 7 to 10 straight grains, a count that balances performance with durability. Remember that grain count is only one factor in how a willow bat actually plays.

Do I need to knock in the MRF Power VK 18?

Yes. Like any English willow bat, it should be knocked in with a mallet and broken in with gentle net sessions before you face a hard ball, to compress the fibres and reduce the risk of cracking.