The Rajasthan Royals will sport a special jersey in their match against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday, as a tribute to former player, coach and mentor Shane Warne.
The custom kits – which will be worn by players such as England’s Jos Buttler and India’s Ravichandran Ashwin – will include the initials SW23 on the shirt collar.
Royals’ coaches and support staff will also have ‘Warne 23’ displayed on the backs of their uniforms.
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Warne donned the No. 23 during his playing days in celebration of his childhood hero, AFL footballer Dermott Brereton.
In honouring the King of Spin, who died of a heart attack in Thailand on March 4, the Royals will return to DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai where Warne coached and captained the side to the IPL’s inarguable championship.
The Royals are yet to win a title since ‘The First Royal’ led them to a three-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings in 2008, but will be channelling their inspiration as they strive for their seventh win of the season.
Warne served as a player-coach for Rajasthan for four seasons, playing 55 games. He played his last match against Mumbai in 2011.