Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to auction their bats and jerseys from 2016 IPL to raise funds for battle against COVID-19

AB de Villiers confirmed that the funds raised from the auction will be shared in India and South Africa.

On Friday, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were involved in a live interaction on Instagram. The duo made a surprising revelation that they will keep their bat and jersey used in the historic game against Gujarat Lions in 2016 for the auction in order to raise funds for the battle against COVID-19 outbreak.

They play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL and share a strong companionship on and off the field that is always cherished by the fans. During the candid chat, they talked about the memories of their first meeting followed by the time they spent together while playing for the same franchise in the previous seasons.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers join hands to raise funds for the underprivileged

During the live interaction, AB de Villiers said that they played some fine knocks for RCB. But, his favourite one was against Gujarat Lions in 2016. The former Proteas players added that he enjoyed that partnership to an extent. As per him, not often two batsmen score hundreds in a T20 game.

He recited that it was a green game in order to spread awareness among people about the environment. This gave him an idea of making a difference by putting some accessories into the auction in order to raise funds for the needy people. “The partnership was an enjoyable one. If I can remember correctly, I got 120-odd and you also got your hundred right at the end where I gave you the strike.

“That doesn’t happen every day where 2 batsmen get hundreds in the same game. That was also the green game where we did our part to raise awareness about the environment. Then I was thinking we could make a difference. That’s why I told you to get hold of that bat. I know you keep your bats, I also do that,” De Villiers further said.

AB de Villiers said that this was the reason he asked Kohli to find his bat from that historic game. He has got a green shirt and bat from that match. Now, he will take hold of the bat and gloves that the 31-year-old Indian batsman used against Lions in the green game.

“From that particular match, I have a green shirt as well. I remember I got you to sign the shirt, I have also signed the shirt. I have got a shirt and my bat and I am going to get hold of your bat and the gloves. The plan is to get on an online auction platform. I know there are a lot of collectors around the world that wouldn’t mind your bat, I will throw it mine as well,” he added.

In the end, Virat Kohli complimented AB de Villiers with a positive response and said that he has got that stuff ready for him for such a great gesture. “That’s amazing the fact that you also share a part of it for India. Quite an amazing gesture. I got the stuff that you asked from me,” he said The former Proteas cricketer confirmed that the funds raised from the auction of their accessories will be shared in India and South Africa for their fight against the Coronavirus.