IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma Bats for Conservation of Assam's One-Horned Rhinos

Chennai: Indian cricketing megastar and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma on Friday's opening match of IPL 2021 showed this support for a noble cause. As the batsmen came onto the pitch to bat, he was spotted wearing shoes that had a design of the endangered species, the one-horned rhino or the Indian rhino.

The art in his shoes boldly called out to "save the rhinos" as this endangered species face the threat of extinction. 

Rohit Sharma also took to Twitter where he shared this noble message by saying, "Yesterday when I walked on to the field it was more than just a game for me. Playing cricket is my dream and help 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."

The 31-year-old cricketing ace also launched the campaign called "Rohit4Rhinos" partnering up with WWF India and Animal Planet. 

He has indeed taken a unique approach to rally for the cause of protecting the vulnerable one horn rhino and shift public awareness towards the plight of this endangered species.

These unique and heartwarming gestures drew praises from the likes of actor and businessman Abhisekh Bacchan, and former England captain Kevin Pietersen. 

There are an estimated 35000 Indian rhinos left in this world out of which 82 per cent is found in India. Some upon a time the mighty Indian rhinos were in abundance across the Indus, the Ganges, and the Brahmaputra river basins, and now it has reduced to only a few areas of Assam, West Bengal, UP and Bihar. 

The one-horned rhino is considered to be the state animal of the state of Assam. Presently, this magnificent beast faces the threat of extinction mainly because of poaching, loss of habitat and mass mortality due to inbreeding and diseases. 

Last years champions, Mumbai India was beaten by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai by two wickets after a tight fight. Next up, the defending champions will face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 13th. 

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