Team India's Rahul to auction World Cup bat to raise funds for vulnerable children

New Delhi: Flamboyant India batsman KL Rahul is auctioning the bat he used during the World Cup last year and other memorabilia to raise funds for vulnerable children.

In a video message posted on Twitter on his birthday, Rahul said all proceeds from the auction will go to the Aware Foundation, that works to provide dispossessed, disadvantaged and vulnerable children in India the right to education.

"I have decided to donate my cricket pads, my gloves, helmets and some of my jerseys to our collaboration partner Bharat Army. They are going to auction these things out and the funds will go towards the Aware Foundation," Rahul said.

"It's a foundation that looks to help children. It is very special and I couldn't pick a better day to do this."

The items up for auction, which started on Monday, includes Rahul's signed 2019 World Cup bat, Test, ODI and T20 jersey along with his batting gloves, helmet and pads.

"Go on check out the auction and show some love for me and the children and let's stay strong together during this difficult time and all of us will come out of this stronger," Rahul said.

The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 24 lakh people and caused more than one lakh deaths worldwide.

In India, more than 17,000 people have been infected with 550 deaths reported.