Watch: Indian cricketers sport jerseys with mothers' names

Vizag: Indian cricketers did what has never happened in the cricket world as they wore jerseys with their mothers’ names while taking field for the fifth and final ODI of the series against New Zealand in Vizag on Saturday.

MS Dhoni, after winning the toss and electing to bat, said: “What’s important is that it is an initiative to appreciate the contribution of mothers."

MS Dhoni wore the jersey with his mother Devki's name on it. (Photo: Screengrab)

"If you ask me, I was always emotionally connected with my mother. It is not like dads are not there, they are there. But we don’t appreciate a mother’s contribution in the way, we have to," added Dhoni.

“It is good that it has been put on a public platform. Often we talk about soldiers and get patriotic on 26th January (Republic Day of India) and 15th August (Independence Day). What is important is to get up every day and thank them for what they have been doing and we need to appreciate the contribution of mothers in the same way,” concluded India's World Cup-winning skipper.

Star India in association with BCCI came up with 'Nayi Soch' campaign to once again turn the spotlight on the women. (Photo: BCCI)

BCCI president Anurag Thakur backed the initiative saying: “Time and again women have proved their mettle and history has been the witness of their greatness. Once a woman becomes a mother, her entire life gets dedicated towards her children. She plays an equally or rather greater role in shaping the future of her children. With this initiative in collaboration with Star India – Nayi Soch, – our endeavor is to honor each and every woman. The Indian team will be sporting their mother's name on the jerseys for the fifth ODI against New Zealand with intent to thank all the mothers for their efforts and sacrifices.”