A legendary piece of cricket history has found a new home, as Sir Donald Bradman’s iconic baggy green cap was auctioned for an impressive INR 2.63 crore. Worn by the Australian cricketing great during the 1947-48 Test series against India, this nearly 80-year-old artifact stands as a testament to Bradman’s extraordinary legacy.
The Auction and Bidding Frenzy
The cap, sold through the renowned auction house Bonhams, sparked intense competition among bidders before closing at ₹2.14 crore. The addition of a buyer’s premium brought the final price to ₹2.63 crore. Despite showing signs of age—including faded fabric, insect damage, and wear along the peak—it remains a priceless symbol of Bradman’s unparalleled achievements.
A Historic Test Series
The 1947-48 series against India marked Bradman’s final Test series on home soil, where he delivered a batting masterclass. Over the course of the series, Bradman amassed an astounding 715 runs, featuring three centuries and a double century. He concluded the series with an extraordinary batting average of 178.75, playing a crucial role in Australia’s 4-0 victory.
The Cap’s Journey
Originally presented to Pankaj Gupta, the manager of the Indian cricket team during their historic 1947-48 tour, the cap was later passed on to Indian wicketkeeper PK Sen. For decades, it remained in India’s cricketing circles before being loaned to the Bradman Museum in Bowral, Bradman’s hometown, in 2010.
Bradman’s Enduring Legacy
Widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, Sir Donald Bradman’s records continue to inspire. His career concluded in 1948 with a memorable yet bittersweet farewell at The Oval, where he was dismissed for a duck in his final innings, narrowly missing an average of 100. Despite this, Bradman’s Test average of 99.94 remains unmatched, along with his 12 double centuries and two triple centuries.
This auction highlights not just Bradman’s incredible contributions to cricket but also the enduring value of his legacy, with the baggy green cap serving as a cherished piece of sporting history.
