Short Handle vs Long Handle Cricket Bats: Which Size Is Right for You? (India)
Short Handle, Long Handle, Harrow or size 6? Here is how to pick the right cricket bat handle and size for your height and reach.
Confused by short handle vs long handle cricket bats? You are not alone. The label on an adult bat almost always reads "SH" (Short Handle) or "LH" (Long Handle), and getting it wrong affects your reach, balance and how the bat feels when you pick it up. This guide explains what the handle sizes mean, who each one suits, and how to match a bat to your height so you buy the right size the first time.
What short handle and long handle actually mean
The terms refer to the overall length of the bat, driven mostly by the handle. A Short Handle (SH) bat is the standard adult size and by far the most common in India. A Long Handle (LH) bat is slightly longer overall and made for taller players, typically above roughly 185 cm. There is also a Harrow size for teenagers who have outgrown junior bats but are not ready for a full adult SH, plus numbered junior sizes (size 4, 5, 6) for younger players.
Short Handle: the default adult choice
If you are an adult between about 168 cm and 185 cm, a Short Handle bat is almost certainly right for you. It offers a balanced blade length and handle that suits the majority of club and recreational cricketers, which is why most premium English and Kashmir willow bats are sold in SH. A quality Kashmir willow SH bat is a sensible, durable pick for tennis-ball and season-ball cricket alike.
Long Handle: for taller players
A Long Handle bat adds length so tall players can reach the ball comfortably without hunching over their stance. The trade-off is that the extra length can push the balance point higher and make the bat feel heavier in the hands, so pickup matters even more. If you are above 185 cm and find standard bats cramped, an LH is worth trying, but always test the pickup before buying.
Harrow and junior sizes for younger players
Buying the correct junior size protects technique and prevents injury. As a rough guide by height: size 5 suits players around 144-150 cm, size 6 around 150-157 cm, and Harrow around 157-168 cm before moving to full SH. A bat that is too big forces a child to muscle their shots and drop their hands, so err on the smaller side if in doubt.
How to check pickup and weight
Handle length is only half the story, weight and balance decide how a bat plays. Hold the bat one-handed at the top of the handle and lift it into your stance. If the toe drops quickly it is too heavy for you; if it feels light and lively, the pickup is good. Most adult players are well served by bats in the 1.2-1.3 kg range regardless of SH or LH. A heavier bat does not automatically hit further, bat speed and timing do.
Quick sizing chart
| Player height | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| 144-150 cm | Size 5 (junior) |
| 150-157 cm | Size 6 (junior) |
| 157-168 cm | Harrow |
| 168-185 cm | Short Handle (SH) |
| 185 cm and above | Long Handle (LH) |
A good place to start is the SF Synthetic Cover Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat – Short Handle at ₹2,100.
Shop the gear
Most adult players in India want a Short Handle bat; taller players should test a Long Handle for reach.
- SF Synthetic Cover Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat – Short Handle – ₹2,100
- EM Double Barrel Kashmir Willow Tennis Cricket Bat – Short Handle – ₹2,879
- Puma Future STB 2.1 Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat (Tennis) – ₹1,124
Related reading
- English Willow vs Kashmir Willow: Which Cricket Bat Should You Buy?
- How to Choose Cricket Batting Gloves: A Beginner's Buying Guide
Frequently asked questions
Is a long handle bat heavier than a short handle bat?
Not always by weight, but the added length can raise the balance point and make it feel heavier in the hands. Always test the pickup rather than judging by the stated weight alone.
What height do you need for a long handle cricket bat?
Long Handle bats generally suit players above roughly 185 cm. Between about 168 and 185 cm, a Short Handle is the standard and better choice.
Can juniors use a short handle bat?
Only once they are tall enough, usually around 168 cm. Younger players should use Harrow or numbered junior sizes so the bat length matches their reach and does not harm their technique.
