Bradman Baggy Green Cap Price: One of the most priceless artefacts in the history of world cricket has found a new owner. The legendary baggy green cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the historic 1947–48 Test series against India has been sold at a prestigious auction in Australia, fetching a staggering AUD 460,000, which is approximately ₹2.92 crore in Indian currency. The sale has once again highlighted the enduring legacy of cricket’s greatest icon and reignited global interest in the Bradman baggy green cap price.
A Cap That Witnessed History
This iconic baggy green cap was worn by Sir Don Bradman during Australia’s first-ever Test series against an independent India in 1947–48. That series marked a turning point in cricketing history, not only because it was India’s first Test tour after gaining independence, but also because it turned out to be Bradman’s final Test series on home soil.
After the conclusion of the series, Bradman made a remarkable and deeply symbolic gesture. He gifted the cap to Indian opening bowler Shri Ranga Sohoni (S.W. Sohoni) as a personal memento of that historic encounter. What followed was a story of quiet preservation, family tradition, and sporting heritage spanning nearly eight decades.
Preserved in Silence for 75 Years
The Sohoni family safeguarded the cap for around 75 years, keeping it away from public view. Remarkably, it was never displayed, loaned, or exhibited. According to auction officials, the family followed a unique tradition: only family members who had turned 16 were allowed to view the cap—and that too for just five minutes.
Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctions, described the item as “one of the most valuable treasures the cricket world has ever seen.” He noted that the cap had remained locked away across three generations, untouched by commercial exposure until now.
Details That Make It Priceless
The historic value of the cap is further enhanced by its unique physical details. Inside the cap, both names—D.G. Bradman and S.W. Sohoni—are handwritten, confirming its authenticity and emotional significance. Beneath the Australian coat of arms, the year “1947–48” is delicately embroidered, marking the exact season in which it was worn.
Cricket historians estimate that only 11 baggy green caps belonging to Don Bradman are known to exist today. During that era, players were issued a new cap for each Test series, making surviving examples extremely rare.
Who Was Shri Ranga Sohoni?
Shri Ranga Sohoni holds a unique place in Indian cricket history. Although his international career was brief, his contribution remains historically significant. Sohoni played only one Test match in the 1947–48 series, but he etched his name into history by bowling the very first delivery of independent India’s Test cricket journey.
Despite not taking a wicket in that match, Sohoni’s moment was symbolic. Soon after the Test, Bradman handed him the baggy green cap—a gesture that transcended competition and symbolized mutual respect between two cricketing nations.
S.W. Sohoni’s Career at a Glance:
- Test Matches: 4
- Runs: 83
- Wickets: 2
First-Class Cricket:
- Matches: 108
- Runs: 4,307
- Wickets: 232
- Centuries/Fifties: 8/20
Bradman’s Dominance Against India
The 1947–48 Test series itself was a one-sided affair. Australia defeated India 4–0, with Bradman producing one of the finest series performances of his career. He amassed 715 runs at a staggering average of 178.75, including three centuries.
Those numbers remain among the most extraordinary achievements in Test cricket history and add immense value to memorabilia associated with that series—especially items as personal as the baggy green cap.
Bradman Baggy Green Cap Price Compared to Other Records
While the Bradman baggy green cap price has made headlines worldwide, the record for the most expensive baggy green cap ever sold still belongs to another Australian legend.
In 2020, the baggy green cap worn by Shane Warne was auctioned for approximately AUD 1 million (around ₹5.90 crore). That sale was particularly notable because the entire amount was donated to Australian bushfire relief efforts, setting a world record for cricket memorabilia.
Interestingly, Bradman’s 1928 debut baggy green cap was also sold in 2020, fetching around ₹2.65 crore, slightly less than the price achieved by his 1947–48 cap.
Also read: Cricket India vs West Indies: Complete History, Rivalry, Records, and Memorable Moments
Why This Sale Matters
The sale of Bradman’s baggy green cap is not just about money. It represents the intersection of sporting excellence, history, and human connection. The cap tells a story of post-war cricket, India’s early steps as an independent nation, and the humility of a sporting giant who chose to gift a treasured symbol to a rival player.
For collectors, historians, and cricket lovers worldwide, the auction reinforces the timeless appeal of Don Bradman and explains why the Bradman baggy green cap price continues to attract global attention.
Also read: Top 10 Batsmen With the Most Centuries in T20I Cricket: Four Indians Feature in Elite List
A Living Symbol of Cricket’s Golden Era
As cricket evolves into new formats and faster-paced entertainment, artefacts like Bradman’s baggy green cap serve as reminders of the game’s rich heritage. The cap is not merely a piece of cloth—it is a living symbol of cricket’s golden era, sportsmanship, and history that transcends borders.
With this historic auction, the legacy of Sir Don Bradman once again proves that greatness never fades—it only grows more valuable with time.
