Cricket

SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey English Willow Cricket Bat Review & Buying Guide (India)

A power-hitter's English willow bat endorsed by Shivam Dubey. We break down the profile, balance and who should buy the SS Gama Player edition.

Instasport Admin

• 3 min read
SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey English willow cricket bat with thick edges and full profile

SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey English willow cricket bat review

SS is one of India's most trusted bat makers, and the Gama Player edition endorsed by hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dubey is aimed squarely at batters who like to clear the ropes. It promises premium English willow, a power profile and that satisfying middled-it ping, at a price that sits below the top-tier player bats. We look at what you actually get, who it suits, and how it stacks up against the alternatives. You can find it here: SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey English Willow Cricket Bat at ₹26,336.

What you get: willow, grains and profile

This is a genuine English willow bat, the grade of willow used by serious club and competitive players for its superior rebound over Kashmir willow. Expect roughly 9 to 13 straight grains, which indicates a well-selected cleft, along with highly concave edges and a full profile that pushes the wood mass into the hitting zone. A pronounced spine and thick edges combine to create a large sweet spot that extends across the blade, which is exactly what a power hitter wants. Each bat carries the SS authenticity hologram.

How it plays

The Gama Player is built for stroke makers. The full profile and thick edges mean plenty of wood behind the ball, so well-timed drives and pulls fly off the face with that big-bat feel. The weight sits in the typical 1140 to 1250 gram range; on the heavier end it loads up real power for front-foot hitting, while a lighter pick-up favours quicker hands and faster bat speed. The special scale grip on the handle adds control and comfort during big swings. If you bat to attack and back yourself to hit through the line, this profile rewards you.

Who should buy it, and who should not

Buy the Gama Player if you are an intermediate-to-advanced batter who plays an aggressive, front-foot game and wants a power-oriented English willow bat without paying flagship money. It suits leather-ball cricket on turf and matting. It is less ideal for absolute beginners or players on a tight budget, for whom a Kashmir willow bat makes more financial sense while technique develops. If you are unsure which willow to choose, our English vs Kashmir willow comparison lays out the trade-offs.

Alternatives to consider

If your budget stretches further and you want a higher-grade player bat, the SS Shivam Dube Player Pro (₹40,000) steps up the willow selection. Prefer a different signature in the same value bracket? The SS Gama Player Nicholas Pooran edition (₹26,336) shares the profile philosophy. Before any new bat sees a match, it must be prepared properly; our complete cricket bat buying guide covers knocking-in and care so you do not crack a premium blade on day one.

The bottom line

The SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey is a well-built, power-focused English willow bat that delivers genuine performance for aggressive batters at a fair price. Match the weight to your hand speed, knock it in patiently, and it will serve a season of big hitting. For a proven step-up alternative, see our SG RP Xtreme English willow review.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey a good bat for power hitting?

Yes. Its full profile, thick concave edges and pronounced spine push plenty of willow into the hitting zone, creating a large sweet spot suited to aggressive, front-foot stroke makers who like to clear the field.

What weight is the SS Gama Player Shivam Dubey bat?

It falls in the typical 1140 to 1250 gram range. A heavier pick-up loads more power for front-foot hitting, while a lighter one favours faster hands. Choose the weight that lets you maintain full bat control.

Do I need to knock in this English willow bat before using it?

Yes. Like all English willow bats, the Gama Player must be knocked in and oiled before facing a hard ball, otherwise the surface can crack. Knock it in gradually over several sessions for the best longevity and performance.