For over half a century, VKS has stood as a beacon for cricketers, tennis players and more recently, padel enthusiasts in London and beyond. We're not just a shop; we're a family both in the literal sense and in the way we treat every customer, supplier and team member. As a true cricket specialist, our journey from our store in Ealing to one of London's most respected cricket shops is a testament to our dedication, expertise and the values that have guided us since 1973.
In this special feature, we invite you behind the scenes to meet the people who make VKS what it is today. Discover how our team's passion, experience and commitment have shaped the VKS you know and trust and why we're the first choice for thousands of players searching for a London cricket shop and true cricket specialists.
VKS isn't just a business, it's a legacy. Founded in 1973 by Vinod inspired by a lifelong friend whose family were major sports goods manufacturers in India, VKS was built on the principles of respect, integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. What started as a shop has grown into a thriving hub for cricket, tennis and padel players of all ages and skill levels.
Our store at 31 Bond Street, Ealing, London W5 5AS, has become a trusted destination for those who value quality equipment, expert advice and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. But what truly sets us apart is our team, the VKS family.
Every great business has a guiding force and for VKS that person is Vinod. With over five decades of experience Vinod's leadership and philosophy have shaped every aspect of our London cricket shop. His belief is simple yet profound: "Respect your suppliers and they will respect you. Treat them fairly and they will always ensure you have the best equipment and service."
Supplier Relationships: The Foundation of Excellence
Vinod's approach to supplier relationships is legendary. In an industry where reliability and trust are everything, Vinod has always ensured that every supplier is greeted with a smile, welcomed as if they were a guest visiting his home and most importantly paid on time with no exceptions. This unwavering commitment has fostered deep, long-lasting partnerships with the world's top cricket and sports brands including Adidas, Gray-Nicolls, Gunn & Moore, Kookaburra, New Balance, CA, Chase, Salix, SF Stanford and SS Ton.
These relationships mean that VKS customers have access to exclusive models, early releases and the highest quality equipment, advantages only possible when suppliers know they are valued and respected.
Product Selection: A Curated Experience
Vinod personally oversees the buying and range selection for pads, gloves and footwear. His decades of experience allow him to spot trends, identify emerging technologies and select products that offer the best value and performance. Whether you're a professional cricketer or a parent shopping for your child's first kit, you can trust that every product on our shelves has been hand-picked by a true cricket specialist.
The VKS Philosophy: More Than Just Business
For Vinod, VKS is more than a business, it's a way of life. His hands-on approach, attention to detail and unwavering integrity set the standard for the entire team. As he often says, "When you put people first, customers, suppliers and staff, everything else falls into place."
Carrying forward the family legacy, Vinay has become the face of VKS for many customers, especially those seeking expert advice on cricket bats and online shopping. His dual role bridges the tradition of in store service with the innovation of digital retail.
Cricket Bat Expertise: Finding the Perfect Fit
Vinay's passion for cricket bats is unmatched. He believes that the right bat can transform a player's game and he takes pride in helping every customer from club players to professionals find their ideal bat. Vinay personally tests and evaluates every bat in our range, considering factors like balance, pic -up, grain structure and weight.
He's known for spending time with customers, understanding their playing style and recommending bats that suit their needs and budget. Whether you're looking for a lightweight bat for quick singles or a powerhouse for big hits, Vinay's expertise ensures you leave with confidence.
Online Operations: Bringing VKS to the World
As the head of our online operations, Vinay has transformed VKS into a leading digital destination for cricket tennis, and padel equipment. He manages everything from website updates to order fulfilment, ensuring that our online customers receive the same level of service and expertise as those who visit us in store.
Vinay's focus on user experience, fast shipping and detailed product information has helped VKS attract customers from across the UK and around the world. His commitment to innovation means we're always looking for new ways to serve our community better, whether through customer support, virtual consultations or exclusive online offers.
Day-to-Day Operations: Keeping the Wheels Turning
In addition to his specialist roles, Vinay oversees the day to day running of the business, coordinating with the team to ensure everything runs smoothly. His leadership, adaptability, and customer first mindset make him an invaluable part of the VKS family.
For nearly 25 years Raj has been a cornerstone of the VKS team. His deep knowledge of racket sports and his meticulous approach to repairs have earned him a loyal following among cricket, tennis and badminton players throughout London.
Master of Repairs: Restoring Equipment to Perfection
Raj is renowned for his skill in repairing and maintaining cricket, tennis and badminton equipment. From bat repairs and re-gripping to racket restringing and frame adjustments, Raj approaches every job with precision and care. He understands that for many customers their equipment is more than just gear, it's an extension of their passion for the game.
Our same day restringing and repair services are a testament to Raj's efficiency and dedication. Customers know they can rely on him to get them back on the court or field quickly, with equipment that feels as good as new.
Tennis Range Management: Serving Up the Best
Raj also manages our extensive tennis range, selecting the latest rackets, shoes and accessories from top brands like Babolat, Dunlop, HEAD and Yonex. His expertise ensures that tennis players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors have access to the best products and advice.
Raj's friendly, approachable manner makes him a favourite among customers seeking honest recommendations and practical tips. Whether you need help choosing a new racket or advice on improving your game, Raj is always ready to assist.
Paul is the driving force behind two of VKS's most essential services: cricket bat knocking in and online order fulfillment. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that every customer receives top-quality equipment and fast, reliable service.
Knocking-In Service: Ready for the Game
Knocking in is a crucial step in preparing a new cricket bat for play and Paul is an expert in this delicate process. He meticulously ensures each bat is prepared properly, ensuring the wood is properly compressed and protected, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing performance.
Customers trust us to prepare their bats to the highest standard, knowing that our work will help them perform at their best from the very first innings. Our same day and express knocking in services are popular with players who value both convenience and quality.
Online Fulfilment: Fast, Accurate, and Reliable
Paul also manages the dispatch of all online orders, coordinating with the rest of the team to ensure every package leaves our store quickly and arrives safely. He along with the rest of the team ensures every order for accuracy, packs items securely and liaises with our shipping partners to provide tracking and updates.
Thanks to Paul's efficiency, VKS has earned a reputation for fast shipping and exceptional customer service, qualities that set us apart from other London cricket shops.
As the newest sport to join the VKS family, padel has found an enthusiastic champion in Ayaan. His energy, knowledge and dedication have helped establish VKS as a go to destination for padel players in London. As an avid Padel player, he knows all about the rackets and is great at advising those new to the game.
Growing the Padel Community
Ayaan manages our expanding padel section curating a selection of rackets, balls and accessories from leading brands like Babolat, Adidas, Bullpadel and NOX. He stays up to date with the latest trends and innovations, ensuring our customers have access to the best gear on the market.
Ayaan is passionate about introducing new players to padel and supporting experienced players with expert advice. He offers personalized recommendations and is always ready to answer questions about equipment, technique or the fastest growing sport in the UK.
Racket Website Management: Seamless Online Experience
In addition to his in store role, Ayaan manages our racket website, ensuring it's easy to navigate, informative and up to date. He works closely with Vinay to update product listings, write detailed descriptions and create engaging content that helps customers make informed choices.
Ayaan's commitment to customer service and his forward thinking approach make him a valuable asset to the VKS team and the wider padel community.
With over 30 years at VKS, Nav is more than a team member, he's a mentor, guide and friend to generations of young cricketers. His expertise in junior cricket equipment is unmatched and his passion for helping kids get started with the right gear has made him a beloved figure in the community.
Supporting the Next Generation
Nav understands that the right equipment can make all the difference for young players. He takes the time to listen to parents and children, assess their needs, and recommend bats, pads, helmets, gloves, footwear and clothing that offer the best fit, protection and value.
His patient, encouraging approach helps kids feel confident and excited about playing cricket, while parents appreciate his honesty and attention to detail. Nav's dedication to junior cricket has helped VKS build a reputation as the go to London cricket shop for families and schools.
Building Lifelong Relationships
Many of Nav's young customers return year after year, moving up through the age groups and trusting him to guide them at every stage of their cricket journey. His ability to connect with players of all ages and backgrounds is a testament to his warmth, integrity and genuine love for the game.
The newest addition to the VKS family, Asmit has already made a significant impact by modernizing our systems and processes. His expertise in IT and operations is helping us prepare for the future while maintaining the personal touch that defines VKS.
Modernizing VKS: EPOS & IT Solutions
Asmit played a key role in setting up our new EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system, ensuring a smoother, faster and more reliable checkout experience for customers both in store and online. His technical skills have streamlined our inventory management, sales tracking, and reporting, making it easier for the team to focus on what they do best, serving customers.
IT Support & Continuous Improvement
Beyond EPOS, Asmit handles all IT issues, from troubleshooting hardware to optimizing software. He's constantly looking for ways to improve our systems, enhance security and introduce new technologies that benefit both staff and customers.
Asmit's proactive approach and problem-solving skills have made him an invaluable member of the team, ensuring that VKS remains at the forefront of retail innovation.
At VKS, our strength lies in our people. Each team member brings unique skills, experience and passion to the table, creating a culture of excellence that benefits every customer who walks through our doors or visits us online.
Our Unique Approach
Customer Stories: The VKS Experience
Over the years, we've helped thousands of players find the right equipment, improve their game, and enjoy their sport to the fullest. Our hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot reflect the trust and satisfaction our customers feel.
Many of our customers have been with us for decades, returning for expert advice, friendly service, and the reassurance that they're dealing with true cricket specialists. Whether you're a professional, a weekend warrior or a parent shopping for your child's first kit, you'll find a warm welcome and a wealth of expertise at VKS.
As London's leading cricket shop and cricket specialists, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services to meet every need:
Everything we do at VKS is guided by our commitment to quality, integrity and service. We believe that every customer deserves the best, whether it's advice, equipment, or after-sales support.
We're proud to be London's cricket specialists, trusted by generations of players, families, and clubs. Our reputation is built on the hard work, expertise, and dedication of our team, the VKS family.
If you're looking for a London cricket shop that offers more than just products, we invite you to visit us at 31 Bond Street, Ealing, London W5 5AS. Meet our team, explore our range, and discover why VKS is the first choice for cricket, tennis, and padel players across London and beyond.
Can't make it to the store? Visit us online at www.vks.com for the same expert advice, exclusive products, and outstanding service. Whether you shop in-store or online, you're always part of the VKS family.
At VKS, we're proud of our heritage, our team, and the community we've built. As we look to the future, we remain committed to the values that have made us London's cricket specialists: respect, expertise, and a genuine passion for the game.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to serving you on the pitch, on the court, and beyond-for many years to come.
