3 cricketers who used controversial Mongoose Bat – #1 shocked everyone

The controversial Mongoose bat has always made headlines. Its different design with a shorter blade and a longer handle provides explosive power hitting, which is particularly helpful in the T20 format. With 33% less blade and a handle 43% longer than traditional bats, it gives increased bat speed and a larger sweet spot. The bat features three times more wood at the toe, helping batters face yorkers.

Despite its power, the Mongoose bat could not be used for defensive shots, making it risky on tricky pitches or against uneven bounce. Eventually, cricketers preferred conventional bats that had better balance, leading to the Mongoose bat not being used.

Here are the three best Test performances of KL Rahul against England:

3. Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden, playing for Chennai Super Kings, walked out with a Mongoose bat In the 2010 IPL. With a long handle and a shortened blade, Hayden produced a memorable knock against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), smashing 93 off just 43 balls. Hayden’s knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, became an iconic IPL moment. The Mongoose, however, had its disadvantages as it was not suitable for defense, as Suresh Raina found out when he briefly tried it himself. Raina later called Hayden’s innings his favourite moment from the league, recalling how it inspired confidence during a tough chase. He even kept the signed Mongoose bat Hayden gifted him.