Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] On the picturesque morning of Wednesday, February 21, Sachin Tendulkar, the iconic figure in Indian cricket, made a special visit to a bat manufacturing unit during his family vacation in the serene valleys of Kashmir. He chose to explore the renowned Kashmir Willow factory, a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts for producing some of the finest cricket bats.
Kashmir willow, harvested from the willow trees indigenous to the region, is celebrated for its exceptional quality and durability, making it a favored choice among cricketers at all levels, particularly those on the international stage, for its ability to deliver powerful shots with a comfortably light feel.
Reflecting on a cherished memory from his early cricketing days, the Master Blaster shared a nostalgic moment with his followers. He reminisced about the first cricket bat he ever received, a gift from his sister, made from Kashmir willow, underscoring the deep emotional connection he has with this particular type of willow.
In a gesture of revisiting those early days and paying homage to the source of his first cricket bat, Tendulkar visited the MJ Sports Bat factory located in Gulmarg. There, he was warmly welcomed by the factory owners who provided him with an exclusive tour of their facility. They offered him the unique opportunity to personally test out some of their finest cricket bats.
Capturing this memorable experience, Tendulkar shared a video on X, the micro-blogging platform, showcasing his visit to the factory. He also engaged his fans with an intriguing question about their preferences in cricket bats, particularly focusing on the number of grains—a detail that often influences a bat’s performance and quality. He noted, “The first bat given to me was by my sister and it was a Kashmir willow bat.
Now that I’m here, it’s only fitting to meet the Kashmir willow! P.S: An interesting fact; some of my favourite bats had only about 5-6 grains. How many grains do your bats have?” Through this visit, Tendulkar not only revisited a pivotal moment from his past but also shone a spotlight on the craftsmanship and heritage of Kashmir willow bats, sharing this piece of cricketing lore with his vast array of fans.