These wicket-keeping gloves from BD are foam-padded but have pores in the finger and palm areas for ventilation.

Batting and wicket-keeping types feature full finger, palm and wrist protectors.

India manufacturers of cricket gloves are rolling out models that provide overall protection for the hands while still maintaining a high level of comfort and ease-of-use.

To do this, companies incorporate rubber, foam and cotton pads or filling to absorb shock and strengthen players’ grip.

To prevent finger and thumb bruises and fractures, makers also add splits or inserts, sidebars, cotton rolls, leather tab tips, PU shells and PU-embossed knuckle protectors.

On the palm surface, manufacturers provide additional layers of leather for better bat and ball handling, and lesser impact to the metacarpal bones.

Safety extends to the wrist through towel wristbands and loop or Velcro fasteners. These ensure that the gloves do not fall off and are adjustable to the right fit.

Comfort is uncompromised as many releases feature breathable vents. Mesh fabric and perforated rubber pads make this possible.

The popular rubber finger protector constructions for wicket-keeping gloves are the webbed and pimpled types. These have two vents or are in English-cut. Some models feature full leather lining, with the rubber web found between the thumb, and pointing and middle fingers. Wicket-keeping gloves typically have foam paddings and ribbed wristbands. Fitted variants are available.

Preshaped high-density Ethaflex or Grocen finger pads with nylon gussets prevail in batting gloves. These are in traditional or English cut and can have extra flaps. Two- and three-bend finger types are common. Light leather patches can be found on the palms. Velcro fasteners and 2in towel wristbands hold the gloves in place.

The leading base material choices for batting and wicket-keeping types are PVC and PU leather, cowhide, sheepskin, and cotton fabric due to their durable and lightweight properties. Despite the 10 to 15 percent rise in material costs due to taxes and other factors, supply is adequate for the upcoming months.

BD Mahajan & Sons Pvt. Ltd launched recently its BDM Terminator, Dasher, Titanium, Amazer and Commander models. The batting gloves are made of high-grade PU and/or sheepskin with nylon threads and fiber stick inserts, flexible flaps or prebent triflex fingers. High-density foam, gussets and towel inlays prevent sweat and moisture. The company’s wicket-keeping gloves are also made of high-grade sambar- or sheepskin. These have pimpled rubber palms or cotton fabric and ribbed wristbands.

FC Sondhi & Co. offers entry- to professional-level PVC and PU cricket gloves, and tests the models on-the-ground for strength or durability.

India is among the top producers of cricket equipment worldwide. The country’s cricket gloves industry grew by more than 20 percent in the past two or three years. The trend is seen to continue in the next six months.

Products & prices

India-made cricket gloves’ prices depend on the materials used, durability and level of comfort provided.

Low-end batting and wicket-keeping cricket gloves with plain and special cotton fabric insides, PVC fingers, cotton gussets and padding, and cowhide or sambarskin palms, leatherette bent fingers, and ribbed wristbands with Velcro fasteners are priced between $1.50 and $7.

Midrange models in two colors, and integrating tribend PU fingers, leather palms, plastazote pads, pimpled rubber surfaces and nylon gusseted sides are quoted $7.50 to $18.

High-end gloves utilizing high-grade sheepskin with PU or high-density preshaped ethaflex-padded fingers, nylon gusset sides and pimpled rubber facing go for $18.50 to $25 and above.

Related report:
India cricket bats, balls enhancements target durability, visual appeal

Product gallery

BD Mahajan & Sons Pvt. Ltd
Model: BG-01 Titanium
MOQ: 100 pairs
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $25
Description: Cricket batting gloves; split-finger; tanned sheepskin, terry; nylon thread; PU fingers with fiber stick inserts, mesh ventilation; PU double-foam padding; lightweight; men’s sizes; in white, light or dark brown, black

BD Mahajan & Sons Pvt. Ltd
Model: BG Blue Jaguar
MOQ: 100 pairs
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $26.75
Description: Cricket wicket-keeping gloves; leather; pimpled rubber palms; foam padding; towel wristbands, Velcro fasteners

FC Sondhi & Co.
Model: Protos Test Pro
MOQ: 100 pairs
Delivery: 90 days
Price: $24
Description: Cricket batting gloves; PU fingers, sheepskin palms; soft, lightweight padding; double-sided sweatbands, 2in Velcro closures; in red-and-white

Goodwin Sports
Model:Speed Pro Batting
MOQ:200 pairs
Delivery:60 days
Price:$12.50
Description:Cricket batting gloves; PU; sheepskin palms; towel wristbands; loop fasteners; nylon gussets; sponge padding; men’s sizes; in green-and-white

Goodwin Sports
Model: Terminator
MOQ: 200 pairs
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $6.25
Description: Cricket batting gloves; PVC; cotton-filled fingers, leather palms; towel wristbands; loop fasteners; cotton gussets; in black-and-white

RN Sports
Model: 1328872125
MOQ: 100 pairs
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $22.50
Description: Cricket batting gloves; PU; cotton-filled fingers; leather palms; towel wristbands; loop fasteners; cotton gussets; in black-and-white