As a cricket player, you know that one of the most critical pieces of equipment you need is a good cricket glove. It protects the player's hands and wrist and adds flexibility to the fingers enabling better grip. However, one must have a suitable pair of cricket gloves to get all these benefits. But choosing the apt one can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different kinds and brands in the market, and it can be challenging to know which is the best for you. Therefore we bring a quick guide to help you make the perfect selection.Read on to learn how to choose the right cricket glove for your needs-

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cricket Glove

Climate

You'll want to keep a few things in mind when shopping for cricket gloves. First, think about the climate you'll be playing in. If you live in a hot country and play mainly during summer, you'll want to look for a lightweight and breathable glove. On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate or play mainly during the winter, you'll want to choose a heavier glove that will keep your hands warm.

Types of Cricket

Determining the type of cricket you play is crucial to selecting the right cricket glove. If you're an all-rounder who bats and bowls, you'll need a versatile glove that provides good protection without sacrificing dexterity. However, if you're primarily a batsman, you can afford to go with a lighter glove that won't hinder your grip on the bat.

Brand

There are many brands and models on the market, each with its distinctive style. You want to ensure that you're using a brand that's been around for a long time, has good reviews from people who have used their products before, and will last for years. The best cricket gloves are those designed with the player's needs in mind, and only the best brands can understand the importance of a suitable cricket glove and create versatile styles to suit every player.

Determine Your Preferred Side

While playing cricket, many players prefer one hand to the other, but it's also up to personal preference. If you're right-handed, you may choose a glove with more padding on the palm side because it can help protect against cuts and bruises on your left hand when batting with your right (which is where most of the action is).

Size

It is better to buy a larger size than a smaller one because the former will not fit snugly over your fingers and allow more movement while batting. It makes them more comfortable throughout long sessions in hot weather conditions. If you get one too small, it can feel tight around your hands, making it difficult during the play sessions. Remember, You don't want to buy a pair of gloves just because they look nice or fit well in your hand. Instead, you want them to fit correctly. When purchasing cricket gloves, always try them on before buying them so that you know what size they need to be (and then buy them there).

Materials

Cricket gloves are made of different materials such as leather, synthetic leather, rubber and plastic. The material used in making cricket gloves impacts their durability and quality, as well as how comfortable they are to wear during practice sessions and matches. For example, leather is known for its durability, but it can also be expensive compared to other types of materials, such as rubber or synthetic leather, which costs less but provides similar protection against cuts and bruises caused by batsmen hitting balls at high speeds into the wicket keeper's gloves.

Cricket Glove Types

There are 2 types of cricket gloves, i.e., sausage fingers and split fingers.

Sausage finger cricket gloves: If you play in settings where the ball bounces a little more, sausage finger gloves can be a good option. The fingertips are well-protected with these gloves.

Split-finger cricket gloves: Split-finger gloves allow extra flexibility. If you're a wristy player who requires the same flexibility in your gloves as your shots, these gloves are for you.

Wrist Style

Choosing a cricket glove style is also essential. Velcro is becoming increasingly popular because players can adjust it according to their comfort. However, it gets dirty quickly and, when wet, can cause inconvenience to the player. Similarly, if the batting gloves replicate taped wrists, it helps to provide flexibility to the batter.

Thickness

When shopping for a new cricket glove, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the thickness of the padding. It should be thick enough that it won't feel like you're wearing a layer of cardboard on your hands but not so thick that it feels like you're wearing a mitten (which can be uncomfortable)

Budget

Finally, take into account your budget. Cricket gloves can range in price from around $20 to $200. It's essential to find a well-made one that fits your price range.