IPL 2022 | Royals tribute Shane Warne before the grande finale against Titans

The inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals, will face Gujarat Titans in the final of Indian Premier League 2022 on May 29 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ironically, this will be Rajasthan's first final since the legendary Shane Warne lifted the silverware. 

As built up, the Royals are dedicating the journey to the finale to the late cricketer. Sanju Samson and his teammates believe the legendary leggie has been watching them and can sense his presence.

Warne passed away tragically earlier this year, and his demise shook the entire world. Despite the fact that Warne's last game for the Royals was in 2011, he continued to have an impact on the team. He was named as a mentor for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2018 IPL season.

Sanju Samson is one of the many players who have been influenced by the former Australian player. After winning in Qualifier 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan's skipper spoke about Warne.

"The tournament right from the start has been for him, and I think we need to take one more step for him. It's really special. I don't want to talk too much about it, but we're one step closer. We want to do something special for him," Samson said.

Throughout Rajasthan's IPL 2022 campaign, there were multiple posters of Warne in the stands. Last month, fans in Mumbai painted the DY Patil Stadium with Warne paintings. It was the same stadium where Warne guided the Royals to their 2008 title.

Jos Buttler also spoke highly of the legendary cricketer in the post-match presentation.

"You mention Shane Warne; he is such an influential figure for the Rajasthan Royals and has led the team to success in that first season, we will miss him dearly, but we know he is looking down on us with a lot of pride today. He made us believe," Buttler said.

Rajasthan Royals' highest wicket-taker and joint highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 revealed his relationship with Warne.

"I think his wishes have and always will be with me," said Yuzvendra Chahal after taking his first hat-trick.