The Indian skipper Virat Kohli and former South Africa skipper, AB de Villiers have decided to auction their cricketing gears, including the bats with which they scored centuries for Royal Challengers Bangalore during an IPL match in 2016. The money raised from the auction will be used for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The items to be auctioned also include their respective gloves and shirts from that above mention game where both of them had scored centuries to power RCB to a challenging 248 for three against Gujarat Lions. Describing the same, on an Instagram live chat, ABD said, “We had a few nice knocks together. There is a particular one in 2016 IPL against Gujarat Lions. I got 129 and you also got 100 right at the end, that doesn’t happen always when two batters get 100s. “

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Recalling the day further, De Villiers said, “I was thinking how we can make a difference, that’s why I told you to get hold of that bat from that game and I still got that shirt from that game, which I got you signed, I also signed my shirt. So I got my shirt and my bat, I’m gonna get hold of your bat, my bat, your gloves, my gloves.”

“I’m glad to be doing this with my very dear friend @abdevilliers17,” Virat shared on Instagram on Monday, along with a photo from the match as well as photos of the gear he is giving away. ABD had originally shared the photo along with the details for the auction, with a heartfelt post.

View this post on Instagram

Cricket has given me many incredible memories – and, among the most precious, stands the partnership with @virat.kohli , playing for RCB and against Gujarat Lions in 2016. Everything clicked on what was a truly unforgettable night at the IPL. The capacity crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium were going crazy, and we both scored centuries in a partnership of 229 runs from 96 balls. More importantly, RCB won the match by 144 runs. Now we find ourselves in a global crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and Virat and I would like to help people in need, people struggling to put food on the table. So we are donating some of the key items from that special day in 2016 – Virat’s bat and gloves, my shirt and bat – and creating one unique auction item, on the Bid or Buy online platform(link in my bio-type key words in the search button to find the piece). All money raised will be donated to charities supporting people most severely affected by the crisis, split 50/50 between charities working in SA and India. Immediately after the auction closes on 10 May, 2020, I will personally contact the winner and make arrangements for the package to be delivered to your home. Take care and stay safe.

A post shared by AB de Villiers (@abdevilliers17) on Apr 27, 2020 at 12:28am PDT

Former South African skipper explained that the items will be auctioned on the bidorbuy.co.za., where people can go and bid and all the proceeds can go for the COVID-19 cause both in India and South Africa, particularly, for the cause of getting meals on people’s tables. The amount will be divided 50-50 in order to support the cause. 

RCB skipper Kohli, who had scored 109 in that match, said he would give away anything for the cause.

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Virat explained, “The fact that you want to share a part of it with India where you have a massive fan base, I think it is quite special, it is an amazing gesture from you. I don’t think I will be able to score that many runs in a single season. I have kept most of the things from that season. For this cause, I will give anything away.”

The Indian captain said it is “surreal” what has been happening around the globe and felt people will be more human once the pandemic-induced crisis is over. The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 2.8 million people around the world, bringing all sporting activities to a standstill.