SRH vs RR: Why are players and match officials wearing black armbands?

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 kicked off in fabulous fashion, and the fourth match of the tournament saw Rajasthan Royals take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, April 2.

With the recent passing of former India cricketer Salim Durani, both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals players and coaches, along with match officials, were seen observing a minute of silence before the match to pay respects to the veteran all-rounder. Aged 88, he had reportedly struggled to get back on his feet following a fracture in his thigh bone and underwent proximal femoral nail surgery as well. 

The players were also seen wearing black armbands throughout the game to pay their respects to the late Indian cricketer.

IndianPremierLeague@IPL

.@SunRisers & @rajasthanroyals and the match officials observe silence to pay respects to the late Salim Durani.

03:44 PM · Apr 02, 2023

17314

Rajasthan Royals get off to fabulous start against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Talking about the game, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and elected to field first. The Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals came in to bat and picked up right where they left off in 2022. Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings for the inaugural champions, and both played a knock for the ages.

Buttler, who won the IPL orange cap in 2022, kicked off the season in style as he played a brilliant knock of 54 runs in just 22 deliveries. He also smashed three sixes and seven fours in the process. The 32-year-old provided his side with just the start that they needed in their very first game of the tournament.

Following his dismissal, Jaiswal also completed his half-century and formed a formidable partnership with skipper Sanju Samson. However, after a brilliant knock, Jaiswal was sent back to the pavilion after scoring 54 runs. Thanks to the batting exploits by the opening duo, Rajasthan Royals notched up their highest ever powerplay total, posting 85/1 in six overs.