At just 17, Singapore-based cricketer Advait Swaminathan is quietly changing the game for dozens of aspiring players in India.
His initiative, Bats for the Better, collects used or discarded cricket bats from teammates, friends, and clubs in Singapore, refurbishes them in Bengaluru, and donates them to underprivileged cricketers in India.
For young players in Bengaluru and Mumbai, a good bat can mean the difference between mediocrity and excellence. With professional willow bats priced upwards of Rs20,000 (S$290), many talented youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds are forced to play with substandard gear. Advait’s effort gives them access to equipment they could never otherwise afford.
Born and raised in Singapore, Advait first discovered the disparity in cricketing opportunities during his summer training stints at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC) in Bengaluru. “I’ve been going to train here since I was six,” he recalled. “I noticed many talented players who just couldn’t afford quality cricket equipment. That stayed with me.”
The spark for Bats for the Better came in 2023 during a trip to Kashmir, India’s cricket bat manufacturing hub. Watching artisans carve out bats from large willow logs, Advait was struck not just by the craftsmanship but by the sheer wastage.
“Cricketers go through so many bats in their careers. I realised the old ones, even if slightly cracked or scuffed, could still be useful. Instead of letting them end up as junk, why not give them a second life?”
What began as a small drive among friends in late 2023 soon grew into a structured initiative. “The first time, I just asked my friends if they had spare bats. We collected about 15 and took them to Bengaluru,” said Advait, a student at the Singapore American School. The bats were refurbished at KIOC and handed over to scholarship students training there.
Encouraged, Advait partnered with Pranav Dhanuka, a teammate from Singapore’s national team setup, and sought wider support. In mid-2024, with the backing of David Bennett, CEO at the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) Cricket Academy, they held a formal collection drive. Flyers went out, posters were shared, and within a week, SCC members had donated 35 bats.
“It’s been inspiring to see Advait’s passion as a junior member at SCC, using cricket to make a real difference,” said Bennett. “When he suggested collecting old bats through the Academy, the response from players, parents, and members was immediate.
“Cricket gear is costly, so giving bats a second life resonated deeply. We’re proud to support his mission and hope it inspires more cricketers to think beyond the boundary.”
The bats were shipped to India, repaired at workshops in Bengaluru, and redistributed by Irfan Sait, chief coach at KIOC. “It’s usually small scuffs, cracks, or loose handles which require minor fixes,” Advait explained. “But once refurbished, the bats are as good as new. So far, we’ve collected 50 bats, valued at about Rs10 lakh (S$15,000).”
For scholarship trainees at KIOC, the refurbished bats are more than just equipment. They are lifelines. Many come from underprivileged homes, where even paying training fees is a challenge.
Irfan praised the initiative: “This is an extraordinary gesture by a young man. A good bat builds confidence, and confidence builds players. Advait’s effort ensures these kids have the tools they need to succeed.”
Pranav, a student at United World College (East Campus) and Advait’s partner in the initiative, agrees. “I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is for many players in Kolkata and Mumbai to get proper gear. The joy on their faces when they receive a refurbished bat makes all the effort worthwhile.”
While bats remain the focus, Advait and Pranav are already thinking ahead. “We realised players also lack helmets, pads, and gloves,” Advait said. “Because of hygiene, we won’t recycle these items, but we plan to run fundraising drives to purchase new equipment.”
This year, Bats for the Better will launch its first major fundraiser in Singapore. The funds will help cover training fees for disadvantaged players and purchase protective gear. “We’re creating a blueprint so academies across India – and even globally – can replicate this model,” Advait added.
The initiative is not just about access – it’s also about sustainability. By refurbishing and reusing bats, Bats for the Better reduces the ecological footprint of cricket gear. “Each bat uses a significant amount of willow. When discarded bats get a new lease of life, it’s a win for both the environment and aspiring players,” Advait noted.
This message of responsibility has resonated deeply with SCC in Singapore, which has partnered with the initiative. “Sport is about more than competition – it’s about community,” said Bennett. “Advait’s project is a wonderful way for our young players to give back to the wider cricketing world.”
Despite his youth, Advait already has years of competitive cricket behind him. A member of Singapore’s Under-19 Development Squad, he previously played in the Under-16 national team and in the Singapore Cricket Association’s adult league. “Cricket has been my life since I was three,” he said. “This initiative is my way of giving back.”
For Advait, the greatest reward isn’t medals or records but the sight of a refurbished bat in the hands of a young dreamer. “In that moment, the bat is more than just wood – it’s hope, confidence, and a future waiting to unfold.”
As Bats for the Better scales up, the founders hope to take it beyond India. “This isn’t just about one city or one country. Cricket is loved across the world, and there are underprivileged players everywhere,” Advait said.
The dream, he added, is simple: “To make cricket accessible, sustainable, and inclusive – so no talented child is ever held back because they lack a bat.”
