Bengaluru: Global music sensation Ed Sheeran swapped his guitar for a cricket bat during a memorable moment at the Brijesh Patel Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
As part of his ongoing +–=÷× India Tour, Sheeran teamed up with Rajasthan Royals players Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande for an impromptu cricket match with a group of young players.
Sheeran, known for his admiration of cricket, received a custom Rajasthan Royals jersey—an emotional tribute to his late friend and cricket legend Shane Warne.
The jersey, emblazoned with the number ‘23’ and ‘Warne’ on the back, was presented to the musician by Parag, one of the Royals’ rising stars.
“Oh wow! With Shane on the back!” Sheeran exclaimed as he received the special training jersey, never before seen by the public.
The friendly match that followed was a surprise for the 20 young cricketers at the academy.
Decked out in his new jersey, Sheeran joined Parag and Deshpande in the game, proving he could handle more than just a guitar.
The young players were delighted to have a global star playing alongside them, creating an unforgettable experience as they bowled, batted, and laughed together.
This spontaneous interaction highlights the growing intersection of entertainment and sports in India.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), already renowned for blending high-quality cricket with world-class entertainment, continues to create opportunities for such unique cultural collaborations that resonate with people across industries.
As the Rajasthan Royals gear up for another exciting IPL season, Sheeran’s visit serves as a powerful reminder of how music and cricket have the ability to unite people from all walks of life.