Keeping Gloves vs Batting Gloves
Batting Gloves vs Wicket Keeping Gloves – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to cricket gear, gloves are essential — but not all gloves are created equal. Batting gloves and wicket-keeping gloves serve entirely different purposes and are built with specific design elements to suit their roles.
This guide will help new buyers and beginner cricketers understand the key differences, features, and which one to choose for your role on the field.
Purpose of the Gloves
Batting Gloves:
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Protect your hands from impact when hitting the ball.
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Provide grip on the bat handle.
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Absorb shock and vibration from fast deliveries.
Wicket Keeping Gloves:
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Designed for catching the ball behind the stumps.
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Help reduce impact when receiving fast throws or deliveries.
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Offer webbing between fingers to improve catching surface.
Key Differences Explained
| Feature | Batting Gloves | Wicket Keeping Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Grip & hand protection while batting | Catching & impact protection while keeping |
| Padding | Heavy padding on fingers & palm | Padding mainly on palms and cuffs |
| Grip Surface | Leather or synthetic palm for bat grip | Rubber/latex palms for ball grip |
| Finger Flexibility | High flexibility for shot control | Some rigidity, especially in outer glove |
| Design | Pair of gloves for both hands | Often inner gloves + outer catching gloves |
| Webbing | No webbing | Webbing between index and thumb |
| Ventilation | More breathable for longer batting sessions | Limited airflow, more rugged |
Components Breakdown
Batting Gloves:
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Palm: Usually sheepskin or synthetic leather for grip.
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Finger Padding: HD foam or fiber for impact protection.
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Thumb Protection: Extra padding on lead hand thumb.
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Ventilation: Mesh or perforated areas to prevent sweat.
Wicket Keeping Gloves:
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Palm Surface: Often made of rubberized or pimpled material.
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Webbing: Legally allowed only between thumb and index.
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Cuff Area: Thick and padded to protect wrists.
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Inner Gloves: Worn underneath for added comfort and sweat control.
When to Use Each
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Use Batting Gloves when you are batting or facing deliveries.
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Use Wicket Keeping Gloves only when keeping wickets or playing behind the stumps.
Can You Use One for Both?
No — batting gloves lack the structure to catch and protect during wicket keeping, and keeping gloves are too bulky for gripping a bat properly. Always use the glove meant for your position.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gloves is essential for both performance and safety. Whether you’re a batter or a keeper, understanding the difference ensures you get the right protection and functionality. For best results, invest in position-specific gear that enhances your game.
Written by Zahid Mahmood
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