Ed Sheeran, the global music sensation, is known for his soulful melodies and chart-topping hits. But during his recent visit to India for the ‘Mathematics’ tour, he showcased a different kind of talent—his cricketing skills. The British singer, who has been captivating audiences across the country, took a break from his musical journey to spend time with the Rajasthan Royals, one of the most beloved franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). What followed was a heartwarming interaction, a batting session, and a touching tribute to the late Shane Warne, the legendary cricketer who once led the Royals to glory.
A royal welcome with gifts and smiles
Sheeran’s visit to the Rajasthan Royals camp was nothing short of special. The singer was greeted by Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande, who presented him with a custom Rajasthan Royals jersey. But this wasn’t just any jersey—it bore the name and number of Warne, the iconic spinner who captained the Royals to their maiden IPL title in 2008. Sheeran’s face lit up with joy as he held the jersey, a testament to his deep admiration for Warne.
The gifts didn’t stop there. Sheeran was also handed a cricket bat, a symbol of the sport that unites millions in India. The singer, known for his humility and down-to-earth nature, seemed genuinely touched by the gesture.
From mic to pitch: Ed Sheeran’s batting debut
The highlight of the day came when Sheeran stepped onto the field for a batting session. With Parag bowling to him, the singer showcased his cricketing prowess, much to the delight of everyone present. Sheeran’s swing was smooth, and he even managed to hit a six with a well-executed sweep shot.
Parag, who was bowling to the singer, couldn’t hide his surprise. “He’s got a good swing. I’m pleasantly surprised,” the young cricketer remarked. It was clear that Sheeran wasn’t just a music icon but also a sports enthusiast who could hold his own on the pitch.
As the session came to an end, Sheeran returned the favour by gifting Parag and Deshpande jerseys from Ipswich Town, the English football club of which he is a part owner. The exchange symbolized the beautiful intersection of sports and music, two worlds that Sheeran effortlessly bridges.
Here’s the video:
Won the toss and asked @edsheeran to bat first! 💗 pic.twitter.com/k9TFcU6dev
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2025
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Sheeran’s bond with Shane Warne: A friendship beyond borders
The tribute to Warne held a deeper meaning for Sheeran. The singer shared a close friendship with the cricketing legend, who passed away in 2022. Sheeran had previously paid homage to Warne during his concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2023, where he sang in memory of his late friend.
“Shane was an incredible human to me and every single person that he came across, and I’ve got such wonderful stories of him. People that he didn’t even know have wonderful stories of him—he gave so much of his time and energy and love. He was such a great bloke,” Sheeran once said for the legendary player.
Warne’s legacy lives on in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, and Sheeran’s gesture of donning the Warne 23 jersey was a touching reminder of the bond they shared. The Royals, under Warne’s leadership, clinched the inaugural IPL title in 2008. As the franchise aims to reclaim the trophy in the coming seasons, Sheeran’s visit served as a source of inspiration. The singer’s love for cricket and his connection to Warne added a layer of emotion to the interaction, making it a memorable moment for everyone involved.
