KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty (Image via Instagram/@klrahul)

Indian cricketer KL Rahul and his wife Athiya Shetty have announced a new charitable venture Cricket for a Cause. This initiative aims to raise money for the special needs school run by the Vipla Foundation (previously Save the Children India) in BKC, Mumbai.

Many former and currently active players are joining them in this noble cause. Cricket superstars like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid are on the list, along with international players like Jos Buttler and Marcus Stoinis.

Talking about the initiative, Athiya Shetty said:

“Vipla Foundation has been a significant part of my childhood. I have spent numerous days after school teaching the children and spending time with them. Through this auction, I hope to continue the legacy of my Nani, who started Vipla Foundation with the intent of serving the needs of children with hearing impairment and intellectual disabilities.”

Indian cricketer KL Rahul added:

“My first visit to the school was very emotional and the children inspired me to contribute in whatever way I could to this great initiative that Athiya’s family has been part of. The auction is our way of supporting the incredible work that Vipla Foundation does in providing a great learning environment to children.”

“When I reached out to the cricket fraternity, they were just as supportive in donating their precious cricket items for this great cause. By participating in the auction and bidding for the memorabilia, each bidder is joining us in making a difference in the lives of these truly special children,” KL added (as quoted by ANI News).

The auction will feature cricket collectibles such as jerseys and cricket bats and is scheduled to be held on August 23.

KL Rahul scored 31 runs on his return to international cricket

KL Rahul returned to international cricket in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday, August 2. Batting first, the hosts scored 230 runs in their 50 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67*).

In response, Rohit Sharma provided a great start for the visitors, scoring 58 runs off 47 balls. Several Indian middle-order batters like Virat Kohli (23) and KL Rahul (31) got starts but didn’t convert them into big innings.

Towards the end, India needed five to win three overs, with Shivam Dube on strike. The left-handed player smashed four on the third ball off Charith Asalanka as the scores leveled.

However, the Sri Lanka captain dismissed Dube on the next ball. He then removed Arshdeep on the following delivery, as the first ODI ended in a tie.