RNS Larsons is one of those names that turns up in cricket circles with two different reactions: a nod of respect from anyone who knows bat-making, and a puzzled “who?” from younger fans who track only the big commercial brands. That split identity - deep heritage but lower modern consumer profile - is exactly why the phrase “sleeping giant” fits RNS Larsons so well...and why we, at BB International Cricket, love them so much.
A short history and pedigree
RNS Larsons really dates back to 1951 (including hockey sticks) and is based in Jalandhar, India, a region with a long tradition of bat manufacturing and leatherwork. The company presents itself as a family of master craftsmen producing English-willow and Kashmir-willow bats, protective gear and kits, and claims decades of experience exporting to markets including England, Sri Lanka, Australia, the UAE, the USA and Canada.
Their love for cricket landed them in what was then a very niche industry, but it was their excellence in crafting wood into fine willows that earned them the title of MASTER CRAFTSMEN.
Famous innings and the “giant” argument
Part of RNS’s reputation comes from historical associations: world-famous names and memorable innings associated with RNS-labelled bats (for example, Saeed Anwar’s 194 and Sachin Tendulkar amongst the list of notable players who have used RNS bats historically). Those links, whether direct sponsorships at the time or manufacturer-supplied bats players chose, help explain why RNS can credibly claim “giant” status in the lore of bat-making.
But “giant” can mean two things: (A) historically important and (B) currently dominant in the global consumer market. RNS comfortably fits (A) thanks to their longstanding presence and those historical touchpoints; on (B) they are far less visible than mega-brands such as MRF, Kookaburra or Gunn & Moore in many international retail channels. That gap, strong craft heritage, modest global brand-share, is what makes the “sleeping giant” label persuasive.
Quality and product evidence
Here at BB International Cricket Bats we have a range of RNS bats that suit budget and player;
- Multiple “Player Edition” models made from high-grade English willow with hand finishing and pre-knocked options; these are intended to compete with premium bats in terms of shape, handle construction and sweet spot placement.
- A full catalogue spanning Classic, Grand and Max series plus T-20 and junior lines indicates they manufacture both high-spec player bats and everyday club-level bats.
Sponsorships & current player relationships
Players past and present have taken the RNS name to the crease:
Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Travis Birt, Ben Rohrer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abdul Samad, and Shivam Dube all provide backing to the brand, the quality and the fact that RNS Larsons is a name that still holds power and prowess to players and supporters.
Why RNS could wake up and grow fast
If you accept the “sleeping giant” premise, here are the levers that could turn them into a bigger global name:
- Prominent modern ambassadors. Linking a few currently high-visibility international or T20 stars to well-marketed Player Editions would shift perceptions fast. Current activity shows grassroots sponsorships; step-up to global ambassadors would be the multiplier.
- Targeted global distribution. Their dealer network and export claims show the manufacturing capability exists; improving visibility in UK/AUS/ENG retail channels would expose their bats to more professional-level buyers. We are incredibly proud to know Prarit personally and deal with him regularly at BB International Cricket Bats.
- Content and testing evidence. More independent bat tests, match-usage footage of modern professionals using RNS bats, and clearer grade labelling would help buyers compare RNS against bigger competitors.
The bottom line
RNS Larsons is not a relic - far from it.
They are a manufacturer with real heritage, a broad product range, and a well documented historic usage by cricketing greats; which gives them credibility that many newer brands lack. At the same time, they’ve not (publicly) matched the large-scale sponsorship and retail visibility of the biggest global bat companies in recent years - which makes them that seemingly perfect make for the connoisseur and will often turn heads when a RNS presents at the crease.
That combination - strong craft pedigree + modest modern market noise - is the exact condition that creates a “sleeping giant.” With the right modern ambassadors and distribution push, RNS could re-enter mainstream cricket conversations quickly and aggressively and we believe that it's only right that it does.
Check out our range >> https://bbcricketbats.com/collections/rns-larsons-cricket-bats
