6 Basic Tips for Cricket Batting – Know the Legend’s Way

Published: 11 Feb 2025

In modern high-scoring cricket matches, the philosophy of batting has changed. A good batter now has to be calm, sensible, and aggressive according to the situation. However, the basics remain unchanged, and following the right tips for cricket batting is essential for success. The best batsmen in history—Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Don Bradman—became great because of their technique, practice, and mindset.

Do you also want to improve your batting? Learn from these legends and follow these simple tips.

Table of Content

Master the Basics (Lessons from Bradman & Tendulkar)
Read the Bowler
Improve Footwork and Balance
Build Mental Strength (Think Like a Champion)
Work on Fitness and Stamina
Smart Practice Techniques (Follow What the Greats Did)
Final Thoughts

Master the Basics (Lessons from Bradman & Tendulkar)

Every great batsman starts with strong basics.

Bat Selection

Choose the bat that fits your style and you feel confident to play with.

Grip

Find the right bat-holding style that you feel comfortable with.
Keep your top hand in control.
A relaxed grip helps you play shots freely. (Bradman always emphasized a loose grip for quick reaction.)

Stance

Depends on how you feel confident, but you have to work on it to find the right stance for yourself.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent for balance.
Always keep your head still. (Tendulkar focused on keeping his head level to judge the ball early.)

Backlift

Raise the bat in a straight line, not too wide.
A proper backlift helps you control your shots. (Bradman’s unique backlift allowed him to play shorts easily.)

Here are some tips for cricket batting that will help you raise your game

Read the Bowler

First and foremost, A great batsman doesn’t just react to the ball. He anticipates it.

Watch the Hand: Tendulkar was famous for his early judgment and getting quickly into the positions to play his shorts.
Predict the Length: Bradman trained with a golf ball and a stump to sharpen his reactions.
Adjust to Pace: Ponting loved short-pitched bowling because he was always ready for it.

Straight Drive (Tendulkar’s Signature Shot)

Play with the full face of the bat.
Keep your elbow high.
Hit the ball along the ground to stay safe.

Cover Drive (Ponting’s Classic Shot)

Lean into the shot.
Place it between fielders, not straight to them.
Use the bowler’s pace to guide the ball.

Pull Shot (Ponting’s Strength)

Practice reading the ball early.
Get into position early.
Keep the face of the bat open or close depending on the field setting or your intentions.

Cut Shot

Play only when the ball is away from the body or you have to make room for yourself for this short.
Stay balanced and use your wrists for control.

Defensive Shots (Tendulkar’s Technique Under Pressure)

Keep a straight bat to block balls.
Use soft hands to absorb speed.
Play the ball late for better control.

Improve Footwork and Balance

Move Early: Good trigger movements help you play every ball correctly. (watch Tendulkar’s footwork as a guide).
Stay Balanced: Bradman’s “rotary method” helped him stay in control while playing shots.
Use the Crease: Using the crease, coming down the wicket, or making room for yourself are the techniques that a batter uses to play the sorts.

Build Mental Strength (Think Like a Champion)

Stay Calm: Tendulkar faced the best bowlers without panic.
One Ball at a Time: Bradman focused on every single delivery instead of worrying about the scoreboard.
Build Your Innings: Ponting started slow and then played aggressively.

Batting is not just about skill—it’s about staying focused and making smart decisions.

Work on Fitness and Stamina

Hand-Eye Coordination: Bradman used a golf ball drill to improve reflexes.
Core Strength: Tendulkar trained his core to generate more power in his shots.
Endurance Training: Ponting practiced for hours to stay fresh in long innings.

A fit batsman can bat longer and score more runs!

Smart Practice Techniques (Follow What the Greats Did)

Shadow Batting: Tendulkar did this daily to improve his stroke play.
Facing Fast Bowling: Ponting trained against short-pitched balls using a bowling machine.
Bradman’s Golf Ball Drill: Hitting a golf ball against a wall improved his reaction speed.

Want to bat like a legend? Practice every day with a clear goal!

Final Thoughts

Batting is about skill, patience, and dedication. The greatest players in cricket history focused on fundamentals, mental strength, and smart training.

Follow these batting tips, practice like the legends, and take your game to the next level!