IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma wears special shoes to raise awareness about rhino conservation

Mumbai Indians captain says 'every step matters' while saving endangered species

Rohit Sharma, captain of Mumbai Indians, greets Mohammed Siraj of Royal Challengers Bangalore after their IPL match on Friday. All pictures by Faheem Hussain / Sportzpics for IPL.

Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore celebrates the wicket of Macro Jansen of Mumbai Indians.

Washington Sundar and Virat Kohli, captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, running between the wickets

Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore plays a shot

Virat Kohli, captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, plays a shot

AB de Villiers of Royal Challengers Bangalore plays a shot

Macro Jansen of Mumbai Indians bowls

Captain of Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma dives to field the ball

Jasprit Bumrah of Mumbai Indians bowls

Dan Chritian of Royal Challengers Bangalore bowls

Mumbai Indians captain and India opener Rohit Sharma is using his popularity on and off the field to raise awareness about a cause that is close to his heart - rhino conservation.

During the opening match of IPL 2021 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sharma wore special shoes with 'save the rhino' message on them, and particularly the endangered great one-horned rhinoceros.

After the match, Sharma took to social media to highlight the issue.

"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," Sharma wrote on Twitter.

"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."

In September 2019, the opening batsman had launched the 'Rohit4Rhinos' campaign in partnership with WWF India and Animal Planet.

In the match, there was no relief for Sharma. South Africa's AB de Villiers hit a quickfire 48 as Royal Challengers Bangalore prevailed in a last-ball thriller.

Virat Kohli's Bangalore chased down a target of 160 to win by two wickets. De Villiers lifted the team from a precarious 122-6 to take the chase into the final over. Harshal Patel, who took five wickets to restrict Mumbai to 159-9 in their 20 overs, got the winning run in a tense finish.