A "Baggy Green" cap, worn by Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman during the 1947-48 series against India, has been sold for A$460,000 (USD 460,000) at an auction on the Gold Coast. This price sets a new record for a cap worn by the iconic batsman.

The cap was gifted by Bradman to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni. The Sohoni family kept the cap for 75 years before putting it up for auction. The auction was held on Monday afternoon by Lloyds Auctions. According to Lloyds Auctions, Sohoni's "dying wish was to have the cap return to Australian shores".

Lee Hames, the chief operating officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, called the cap the "holy grail of cricket". Bidding started at just $1, but quickly escalated due to significant interest from buyers in Australia, India, and the UK. The final price reached A$460,000 before a 16.5% buyer's premium was added. The final amount paid rose to A$535,900.

The 1947-48 series was Bradman's last home Test series before his retirement in 1948. Bradman retired with a Test batting average of 99.94, a record that is yet to be broken. During the series, Bradman scored 715 runs in six innings, averaging 178.75, including three centuries. It was also India's first international tour as an independent country.

This particular baggy green is one of only 11 known to have been worn by Bradman. The cap has the names "D.G. Bradman" and "S.W. Sohoni" inscribed on the inside. The family of S.W. Sohoni kept the cap in immaculate condition for 75 years. According to Lloyds Auctioneers, family members were only allowed to view it for five minutes when they turned 16.

The condition and provenance of the Sohoni cap made it even more appealing to collectors. Another Bradman cap from the same series, which was sun-faded and insect-damaged, sold in 2024 for A$311,000.

A spokesperson for Lloyds Auctions said the cap will remain in Australia and will be displayed at a prominent museum.