Virat Kohli’s iconic gloves, worn during his stellar 82-run performance against Pakistan in the previous year’s T20 World Cup, have found a new home through a successful auction, fetching an impressive sum of approximately RS1142000 ($5,750).
This remarkable auction unfolded at the Chappell Foundation’s esteemed sixth annual dinner, a charitable event held on September 13th in Sydney, Australia.
The Chappell Foundation, a noble endeavor co-founded by former India coach Greg Chappell and Australian entrepreneur Darshak Mehta, stands steadfast in its mission to raise essential funds for the support of homeless youth in Australia. Their overarching goal is to provide these young individuals with much-needed shelter, care, education, training, and ultimately, a brighter future.
Virat Kohli, in a generous act of philanthropy, graciously donated his gloves to the foundation following his extraordinary performance at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The gloves, infused with the essence of his incredible innings, became the centrepiece of an auction that stirred palpable excitement. The bidding war ultimately culminated in Harv Kler emerging as the triumphant bidder, offering a substantial $5,750 for the coveted gloves.
A statement from The Chappell Foundation noted, “Harv Kler won a spirited bidding contest with two other Indian-Australian businessmen for the gloves the great batsman donated to the Foundation after his slashing MCG innings.”
Darshak Mehta, reflecting on this year’s Annual Dinner, expressed his satisfaction with its resounding success, citing it as the most financially prosperous in the history of The Chappell Foundation. Since its inception in 2017, the foundation has successfully amassed over $5 million to further its vital mission in support of homeless youth.
The prestigious event at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) also witnessed the presence of former Australian cricket luminaries, including the likes of Brett Lee, Michael Bevan, Peter Nevill, Phil Emery, Geoff Lawson, Greg Dyer, Trevor Chappell, and Ian Chappell.
In the T20 World Cup of the previous year, Virat Kohli’s spectacular innings played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Kohli, with sheer determination and skill, strode to the crease when India faced adversity at 7/1 while chasing a challenging target of 160 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The situation became even more precarious when India found themselves at 31/4 in just the seventh over.
However, as cricket fans held their breath, Kohli joined forces with the indomitable Hardik Pandya to engineer a remarkable recovery. Their partnership defied all odds, showcasing their immense talent and unwavering spirit. It was a moment of sheer brilliance when Ravichandran Ashwin struck the winning run for the Men in Blue, etching this historic victory into the annals of cricketing lore. This unforgettable innings not only secured a memorable win but also created an enduring legacy for Virat Kohli and his iconic gloves, now immortalized through their charitable auction.
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