IPL 2022 | Royals to pay tribute to legend, will wear SW23 jersey vs MI

The inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals, have put out a stunning tribute to the legendary Shane Warne ahead of their upcoming fixture against the Mumbai Indians on Saturday (April 30) evening.

On a day when the Royals will be honouring their talismanic leader, who led them to their only title in 2008, the likes of Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about the impact that Warne had as a cricketer and as a captain during their playing days.

Skipper Samson opened the video, stating that Warne was a very special individual and cricketer for almost every player worldwide.

One of Warne’s greatest qualities was how he used to instil confidence in others, which made him such an inspirational leader.

Swashbuckling opener Jos Buttler echoed the same in the video.

Butler said, “The belief he could instil in others, I think, was the biggest thing I took away, you know. Think he made you feel 10 feet tall when you were around him.”

Watch the video here -

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal said that Warne’s good wishes have always been with him.

“I think his wishes have and always will be with me,” he said.

Team manager Romi Bhinder revealed that Buttler high-fived Warne’s photo on the wall a few days back, besides adding that the Rajasthan players still feel the presence of the legendary cricketer.

Warne, 52, tragically passed away due to a heart attack on March 04 during his stay in Thailand.

The former leg-spinner, who played his last IPL against the Mumbai Indians in 2011, will be given a special tribute by his franchise on the same ground where he led RR to the title in 2008.

The Royal’s players will don the initials of SW 23 on their caps, and a section of the ground will be transformed into Warne’s gallery to celebrate the life and times of the Victorian.