As India is battling a severe health crisis caused by the second COVID-19 wave, all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Saturday (May 1) announced that his entire family, including brother Krunal, will donate 200 oxygen concentrators to help the rural areas of the country.

Ahead of his team’s clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL, Hardik said his family had been looking for ways to help the underprivileged people.

“Gratitude to all the medical staff, frontline workers and all the individuals who have come out and held their hands at such times to fight out the battle,” Hardik said.

“Krunal, myself and my mother — basically our entire family, we were finding ways at trying to help out. We decided to donate 200 oxygen concentrators to the rural parts of India where I feel the medical infrastructure needs more support,” he added.

India is reporting over 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for more than 10 days now and the health infrastructure is struggling to cope with the crisis, failing to provide oxygen and crucial medicines to the infected patients.

“We all understand it’s difficult, we want to show our gratitude, support and just want to tell everyone that they’re always there in our prayers,” Hardik added.

Pandya family has joined the likes of Brett Lee, Pat Cummins, Nicholas Pooran, Sachin Tendulkar, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Jaydev Unadkat, and Sreevats Goswami who have contributed to India’s recovery from the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.

IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals have also contributed 7.5 crore and 1.5 crore respectively for the noble cause.

(With PTI inputs)