Indian cricketers wear their mothers' name on their jersey as India take on New Zealand in the 5th ODI

Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane wear jerseys with their mother’s name (Image Courtesy: Star Plus)

Ahead of the ODI series against the New Zealand cricket team, the BCCI had partnered with the Star Plus family in its "Nayi Soch" campaign which serves as a tribute to all the women across the globe. Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have come forward to support this heart-warming campaign, which questions various societal stereotypes that hold women back.

As India take on New Zealand in the 5^th and final One Day International at Vizag, all the 11 players were seen sporting their mothers' name on their jersey. This heart-warming gesture was appreciated by everyone around the world. 

As Ravi Shastri spoke to MS Dhoni at the toss, the latter was proud of the fact that all the players were wearing their mother’s name for the crucial match. Dhoni went on to say they had always been wearing their father’s names on their backs and it was high time that their mother received the respect they deserve. 

Ahead of Diwali, Dhoni also went on to speak about the Indian soldiers and they respect they deserve. "We appreciate soldiers and feel patriotic only before 15th Aug & 26th Jan But we should wake up and thank them every day,” said Dhoni. 

Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin too, had expressed his views about the same in a video which he posted on Facebook, speaking in Hindi. 

With the series currently tied at 2-2, both India and New Zealand will look to give it their all in the deciding match and clinch the series. Jayant Yadav has been handed an ODI cap by Virender Sehwag and is set to make his international debut, while Jasprit Bumrah returns to the playing XI for India, with Hardik Pandya being dropped. 

Unlike the other pitches this series, this pitch is supposed to be a batsman’s paradise. With India winning the toss and electing to bat first, they will be looking to achieve a 300 plus score. 

 

#TeamIndia sporting their mothers' names on the jersey in the 5th and final ODI #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/pWcMAKMchB

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 29, 2016