IPL: Rajasthan’s Unique Way To Salute Their ‘First Royal’ Shane Warne

Mumbai: Leg-spin legend Shane Warne, who passed away on March 4 at the age of 52, will be the talk of DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday evening, when Rajasthan Royals face Mumbai Indians in an IPL-15 clash.

Fourteen years after the Warne-led Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings to the inaugural IPL title at this very ground, the franchise has planned a memorable tribute to its first ‘Royal’.

Rajasthan Royals players will be taking the field with ‘SW23’ inscribed on the collar of their jersey. Warne wore jersey No. 23 during the four seasons he played for Rajasthan Royals. He later joined the support staff as a team mentor.

An area at the stadium has been turned into a Shane Warne Tribute Gallery. All ticket holders and students of DY Patil University will be able to visit the gallery where Warne’s cricketing exploits are exhibited.

Warne’s brother Jason will be flying down to Mumbai to be part of the occasion.

Rajasthan Royals, searching for their second title, have been doing well this season and stand in second place currently with 12 points, having won 6 of their 8 matches.