Most Expensive Cricket Items Ever Auctioned: MS Dhoni's World Cup Bat to Sir Don Bradman's Cap

Cricket isn’t just a game; it’s a culture, an emotion, a tradition that has transcended generations. The sound of the bat meeting the ball, the rush of excitement when a century is scored, and the historic Ashes series are woven into the fabric of this sport.

From the legendary Sir Donald Bradman to the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the sport has seen extraordinary moments, each leaving behind tangible pieces that fans and collectors treasure. So, let's take a look at some of the most expensive cricket items ever auctioned, a true testament to the enduring allure of cricket.

Most Expensive Cricket Items Ever Auctioned — Photos: RK_Global/Twitter and Madame Taussad

Cricket Item	Player	Auction Price (INR)	Year of Auction	Description
Sir Donald Bradman’s 1948 Baggy Green Cap	Sir Donald Bradman	₹2.63 Crore	2021	The cap worn by Bradman in his final home Test series, symbolizing his legendary career and retirement from Test cricket.
Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat	Sir Donald Bradman	₹1.9 Crore	2021	The bat used by Bradman during the 1934 Ashes series, where he scored two triple centuries and set a record partnership with Bill Ponsford.
MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat	MS Dhoni	₹83 Lakh	2011	The bat that Dhoni used to hit the iconic six, securing India’s 2011 World Cup victory, the most expensive cricket bat ever sold.
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni’s Auction for a Cause	Virat Kohli & MS Dhoni	₹40 Lakh	2020	Kohli’s jersey and Dhoni’s bat were auctioned for charity, raising funds for the Vipla Foundation, which provides education to underprivileged children.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test Match Jersey	Sachin Tendulkar	₹6 Lakh	2014	The jersey worn by Tendulkar during his farewell 200th Test match, marking the end of his extraordinary career. Auction proceeds supported the Indian Head Injury Foundation.
Sir Ian Botham’s 1981 Ashes Sweater	Sir Ian Botham	₹9.5 Lakh	2021	The iconic sweater worn by Botham during the 1981 Ashes series, one of the most memorable series in cricket history.
Virender Sehwag’s Bat from His Triple Century	Virender Sehwag	₹9.3 Lakh	2020	The bat used by Sehwag to score his famous triple century, marking a historic achievement in Indian cricket.
Viv Richards’ West Indies Cap	Viv Richards	₹6.5 Lakh	2019	The cap worn by Richards during his career, which continues to hold immense sentimental value in the cricketing world.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Autographed Bat	Sachin Tendulkar	₹4.5 Lakh	2018	An autographed bat by Tendulkar, one of the most cherished pieces of memorabilia for cricket fans worldwide.

1. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1948 Baggy Green Cap (Rs 2.63 crore)

A piece of cricketing history, Sir Donald Bradman’s iconic 1948 Baggy Green cap fetched an eye-watering INR 2.63 crore at auction, almost 80 years after it was last worn (via PTI). This cap wasn't just a piece of clothing; it symbolized Bradman's swan song in the 1947-48 Test series against India. It was the cap worn by the legend in his final home series before retiring from Test cricket, making it a priceless artifact in the cricketing world.

2. Sir Donald Bradman’s 1934 Ashes Bat (Rs 1.9 crore)

Sir Donald Bradman’s bat used by Bradman in the 1934 Ashes series continues to captivate cricket lovers. In 2021, this historic piece of wood was sold for nearly $250,000 (roughly INR 1.9 crore). This bat wasn't just a tool; it was the weapon with which Bradman scored two triple-centuries and helped create the highest-ever Test partnership of 451 runs with Bill Ponsford (via India.com). To own it now is to hold a piece of cricket’s most storied chapter

3. MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final Bat (Rs 83 lakh)

When MS Dhoni hit that unforgettable six in the 2011 World Cup final, he sealed India’s victory. His bat, which made that moment possible, was auctioned for a staggering INR 83 lakhs shortly after the win (Zee News). The price tag of this bat reflects more than just its material value; it carries the weight of a nation's dream fulfilled. It remains the most expensive cricket bat ever sold.

4. Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni’s Auction for a Cause (Rs 40 lakh)

In the world of charity auctions, cricket stars have also stepped up to use their memorabilia for a good cause. In an event organized by cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, Virat Kohli’s jersey was sold for an impressive INR 40 lakh, while MS Dhoni’s bat also found a buyer for a large sum.

The auction was part of the 'Cricket For a Cause’ initiative, with proceeds going towards the Vipla Foundation’s mission to provide education to underprivileged children. The charity event showed that cricket’s true legacy goes beyond the field, touching lives in meaningful ways.

5. Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test Match Jersey (Rs 6 lakh)

No list of cricket memorabilia would be complete without mentioning Sachin Tendulkar, the god of cricket. His jersey from his farewell 200th Test match was auctioned for INR 6 lakh at a special charity event held at Umaid Bhawan Palace (via NDTV). This jersey marked the end of an era in Indian cricket, as his retirement brought a close to an unparalleled career. The auction raised funds for the Indian Head Injury Foundation, continuing to make a difference long after the match had ended.

Other Priceless Cricket Memorabilia

While Bradman and MS Dhoni’s items may take the spotlight, there are other valuable pieces of cricket history that fetch impressive sums. Sir Ian Botham’s sweater from the 1981 Ashes series went for $13,000, while Virender Sehwag’s bat used in his famous triple century was sold for $12,000 (via Adgully).

Viv Richards’ West Indies cap and Sachin Tendulkar’s autographed bat also found eager collectors, proving that cricket memorabilia continues to hold incredible value.