What did Rohit Sharma write on his shoe during the first IPL 2021 match?

Defending champions Mumbai Indians started their title defence in IPL 2021 on Friday with a narrow two-wicket loss at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The five-time champions could not do well with the bat but did well with the ball and nearly secured a win before losing the cliffhanger on the final ball of the match.

Asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians scored a competitive total of 159 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma looked in good touch early on and hit a six and four very early in his innings before a run-out ended his stay. The right-handed batsman departed for 19. The likes of Chris Lynn and Suryakumar Yadav then took the score past the 100-run mark.

At 135 for 3 in the 16th over, Mumbai were looking set to score over 170. However, a five-wicket haul from Harshal Patel dented their hopes. Patel ran through Mumbai’s middle and lower order to restrict them to less than 160. In reply, RCB chased down the total on the very final ball of the innings. AB de Villiers made the difference with the bat for RCB, scoring 48 off just 27 balls to seal the game in his team’s favour.

‘More than just a game’ – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma and his team might have started their campaign in IPL 2021 with a loss but the game was a special one for the Mumbai Indians skipper. The opening batsman revealed the reason behind it on Saturday (April 10). Hours after the game ended, Rohit took to Twitter to state that he was raising awareness on saving rhinoceros.

The batting star has been supporting the cause of conserving the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros or the Indian Rhino for a long time. He walked out on the field by wearing a special shoe that showcased the endangered species on them. The art on Rohit’s spikes made a bold statement literally calling out “Save The Rhino”.

“Yesterday when I walked on to the field it was more than just a game for me. Playing cricket is my dream and helping make this world a better place is a cause we all need to work towards. It was special for me to take a cause so close to my heart with me on the field while I do what I love. Every step matters,” Rohit wrote on Twitter.

Yesterday when I walked on to the field it was more than just a game for me. Playing cricket is my dream and helping make this world a better place is a cause we all need to work towards. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/fM22VolbYq

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 10, 2021

It was special for me to take a cause so close to my heart with me on the field while I do what I love. Every step matters. 🦏❤️ (2/2)

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 10, 2021