Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday donated Rs 1 crore towards procuring oxygen concentrators for COVID-19 patients across the country, which is currently struggling to curb a deadly second wave of the pandemic. 

Also Read | Video of Agra man begging to cops for oxygen goes viral

“The second wave of COVID has put our healthcare system under immense pressure. Providing oxygen for the large number of serious COVID patients is the need of the hour,” the 48-year-old said in a statement. 

Also Read | Kannada actor Arjun Gowda drives ambulance to help people in need amid COVID surge

While saying it is “heartening” to see people rising to the occassion, Tendulkar said “I’ve helped by contributing to the cause and hope that their effort soon reaches out to many more hospitals across India.”

“Your support when I was playing was invaluable and helped me succeed. Today, we have to stand together behind everyone that is working hard to fight this pandemic.”

In response, Oxygen Mission, a fund-raising initiative launched by over 250 entrepreneurs from Delhi-NCR, said Tendulkar’s donation was “incredibly heart-warming”.

Tendulkar had recently contracted the virus and was hospitalised with mild symptoms. He said he will donate plasma when eligible upon his discharge last Saturday. 

India’s healthcare infrastructure has been crippled with the recent surge in cases, with a dire shortage in oxygen cylinders, ICU beds and other medical essentials. 

On Thursday, the country saw its deadliest day of the pandemic, recording 3,79,257 new cases and 3,645 deaths. 

Earlier, Australian pacer Pat Cummins donated $50,000 for procuring oxygen supplies for Indian hospitals. Former Australian pacer Brett Lee also donated 1 Bitcoin towards purchasing oxygen supplies. 

Indian Premier League franchises Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals also donated Rs 7.5 crore and 1.5 crore respectively.