India and Mumbai Indians cricketer Rohit Sharma wore shoes highlighting the greater one-horned rhinoceros during the Indian Premier League opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday to help build awareness to conserve the endangered species.

Sharma has taken a unique approach to speak about a cause that he has long supported, the conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros or the Indian rhino. The swashbuckling batsman sported a unique design of his IPL cricket shoes which showcased the endangered species on them. The Indian rhinoceros faces several threats, including poaching, habitat loss and mass mortality from inbreeding and disease.