In a remarkable display of sporting memorabilia appreciation, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, along with his wife Athiya Shetty, recently organized an auction aimed at raising funds for underprivileged children. This charity event, titled “Cricket for Charity,” featured signed items from several cricket stars, and it was none other than Virat Kohli’s memorabilia that garnered the most attention and highest bids.
The Auction Highlights
During the auction, Kohli’s signed World Cup jersey fetched a staggering ₹40 lakh (approximately $48,000), making it the star item of the event. Additionally, his gloves sold for ₹28 lakh (around $33,600). The excitement surrounding Kohli’s offerings outshone other cricket legends, including Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, whose bats combined only brought in ₹37 lakh, which fell short of Kohli’s jersey price by ₹3 lakh. In total, KL Rahul’s auction raised a remarkable ₹1.93 crore (about $232,000), showcasing not only Kohli’s star power but also the passionate involvement of fans in supporting a noble cause.
Virat Kohli’s Dominance
The enthusiasm for cricket in India knows no bounds, with fans eager to own items from their favorite players. The auction proved this enthusiasm as Rohit Sharma’s bat was sold for ₹24 lakh, while Dhoni’s bat went for ₹13 lakh. This fierce bidding highlights the competitive spirit among collectors and cricket fans, with Kohli consistently leading the charge. His jersey’s record price at the auction sets a benchmark for sports memorabilia in India.
Comparative Auction Stats
| Item | Price (in ₹) |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli’s Jersey | 40,00,000 |
| Virat Kohli’s Gloves | 28,00,000 |
| Rohit Sharma’s Bat | 24,00,000 |
| MS Dhoni’s Bat | 13,00,000 |
| Rahul Dravid’s Bat | 11,00,000 |
| KL Rahul’s Test Jersey | 11,00,000 |
| Jasprit Bumrah’s World Cup Jersey | 8,00,000 |
Other Notable Auction Items
Among other significant sales, Rahul Dravid’s bat also drew an impressive ₹11 lakh, while KL Rahul’s team jersey fetched the same amount. Not to lose out, Jasprit Bumrah’s World Cup jersey was sold for ₹8 lakh, and Rishabh Pant’s IPL bat went for ₹7 lakh. These figures indicate the robust market for cricket memorabilia as fans strive to own pieces of history.
Less Popular Items
On the flip side, the auction also featured items that did not see as much bidding action. The jersey of West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran was the least expensive sale, fetching only ₹45,000. Similarly, the IPL jerseys of Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson sold for ₹50,000 each, while Jos Buttler’s IPL jersey commanded slightly more at ₹55,000. This contrast underscores how players’ popularity significantly influences the value of their memorabilia.
