The deadly COVID-19 outbreak has forced suspension of all on-field sporting activities. But off the field, while in isolation, cricketers are using social media to continue connecting with their fans.
On Friday (April 24), India skipper Virat Kohli hosted an Instagram live session with former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers. They discussed a range of topics and at the end of the chat decided to pick a combined India-South Africa ODI XI.
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The star RCB pair selected Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma as openers followed by Kohli, De Villiers, Jacques Kallis and Yuvraj Singh. They handed over the reins of the star-studded line-up to India’s World Cup-winning skipper MS Dhoni.
"I have always had a world of respect for him, he is always calm and knows the game well," De Villiers said in praise of Dhoni.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the lone specialist spinner in the team, which also included Dale Steyn, Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada as fast bowlers.
During the conversation, Kohli and De Villiers also revealed that they will auction their 2016 IPL kits - bats, shirts and gloves online and the funds generated from that will be used in the fight against Coronavirus.
On May 14, 2016, AB de Villiers hit 52-ball 129* while Virat Kohli smashed 55-ball 109 to power RCB to a 144-run win over Gujarat Lions.
"We will be through this (COVID-19) sooner than we think. We just need to stay positive," the Indian captain said before signing off.
India- South Africa ODI XI picked by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers:
Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, MS Dhoni (captain), Yuvraj Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dale Steyn, Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada.
(With IANS inputs)
