Sunil Gavaskar donates ₹59 lakh to COVID-19 relief funds

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has donated ₹35 lakh to the PM-CARES Fund and ₹24 lakh to Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the fight against coronavirus, reports have claimed. India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has also made a donation to the relief funds but hasn't revealed the amount.

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday donated Rs 59 lakh, while Test regular Cheteshwar Pujara also made an unspecified contribution to the-CARES fund, joining the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic which has claimed over 100 lives in India.

Pujara joined skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Kedar Jadhav, who are among the current set of cricketers to make significant contributions. Among former players, Sachin Tendulkar is among the most notable contributors.

Gavaskar, who is now a sought after commentator and analyst of the game, did not reveal the contribution himself but a source close to him confirmed after former Mumbai skipper Amol Mujumdar tweeted the same.

“Just heard that SMG has donated 59 lakhs towards covid relief fund. 35 to @PMCaresFunds n 24 lakhs to @CMOMaharashtra. Thumbs up superb gesture Sir,” Mujumdar said.

Every single contribution counts: Pujara

Pujara, on his part, thanked all the front-line warriors including doctors, paramedical staff, and police, who are doing selfless service at this critical juncture.

“My family & I have contributed our bit to the-CARES Fund and the Gujarat CM Relief Fund, and hope that you will too. Every single contribution counts, so let us all do our bit and together we will certainly overcome,” Pujara stated.

“We would like to convey our deepest gratitude to all the front line warriors – medical professionals, policemen/women, grocery staff, and so many others – for their dedication, courage, and sacrifices in serving our nation and humanity,” he added.