Rajasthan Royals will wear a special kit paying tribute to Australia legend Shane Warne when they take on Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on Saturday.
The late, great leg-spinner tragically passed away last month at the age of just 52 after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand. And Warne has close ties to Rajasthan, having previously served as their captain and coach.
He notably led them to the IPL title during the tournament's inaugural season and Saturday's Rajasthan's game against Mumbai will take place at the DY Patil Stadium, the same venue where they beat Chennai Super Kings in the 2008 final.
And Rajasthan's players will wear a custom kit to pay tribute to Warne, with the initials SW23 embroidered on the collar of their shirt. Warne famously wore the number 23 during his time as a player, picking the number in honour of his childhood hero Aussie Rules star Dermott Brereton.
A statement from the club read: "It is befitting that the same stadium where Warne lifted the IPL trophy will see the cricketing world come together to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
"The franchise would like to iterate that it will not be an occasion to mourn, but to commemorate the great man, and salute him for his never-ending contribution to the game of cricket as well as impacting thousands of lives around the world through his words, energy, and actions both on and off the field."
Rajasthan are currently second in the table, having won six of their eight matches so far. England star Jos Buttler has been in inspired form with the bat, striking 499 runs at an average of 71.28.
He has also notched three centuries against Mumbai, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has also been in brilliant form for Rajasthan and is currently the tournament's leading wicket taker with 18.
Mumbai, meanwhile, have failed to win any of their eight matches so far and currently sit bottom of the table.
