A remarkable piece of cricket history is heading back to Australia and set to go under the hammer in Sydney, captivating collectors and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The treasured baggy green cap, once worn by Sir Donald Bradman, has returned from India, where it remained in the same family for more than seven decades.
The cap was worn by Bradman during his final home Test match – a game in which he scored his 100th first-class century – making it one of the most significant relics of Australia’s cricketing heritage. Known as the “holy grail” of cricket memorabilia, this baggy green is widely regarded as one of the rarest items from the career of the sport’s most iconic figure.
Its extraordinary journey began during India’s 1947–48 Test tour, the first such tour following India’s independence. After Indian bowler Sriranga Sohoni bowled to Bradman but was unable to dismiss him, the Australian legend made a gesture of respect and encouragement by placing the cap on Sohoni’s head – a sincere act of sportsmanship that resonated deeply with the visiting side.
For more than 75 years, the cap remained in the care of Sohoni’s family in Mumbai, preserved as a treasured heirloom. The family’s respect for the item was apparent in its careful preservation behind glass, with rules that even prohibited handling by younger generations. This long-held ownership has added to the cap’s mystique and historical value.
Now, the historic piece has been returned to Australian soil and will be offered at auction on Australia Day (26 January). Early bidding has already generated significant interest, with the highest bid reported in the hundreds of thousands before the final closing. Experts predict that the cap could fetch a figure well into seven digits, reflecting both its rarity and enduring cultural significance.
Only a handful – about 11 – of Bradman’s baggy greens are known to exist, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, museums and cricket institutions alike. The cap’s return highlights not only the enduring legacy of Bradman, revered by many as the greatest ever to play the game, but also the longstanding cricket bond between Australia and India.
As interest grows in the lead-up to the auction, the baggy green is being exhibited in several Australian cities, offering fans and historians a rare chance to see this iconic piece of sport history up close before it finds its next custodian.
