When Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler walked out for the toss ahead of the third ODI between India and England in Ahmedabad, a notable sight caught everyone’s attention. Both captains wore armbands—not the usual black ones seen in cricket to honor a deceased individual, but green ones. These armbands symbolized a much broader and life-saving cause—organ donation. The initiative, spearheaded by the BCCI, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of donating organs and potentially saving multiple lives.
As part of this initiative, the Indian cricket team organized an organ donation drive in Ahmedabad, coinciding with the match. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and the campaign sought to encourage more people to pledge their organs. India head coach Gautam Gambhir had already pledged his organs as part of the ‘Get a Life’ initiative. Several Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami, also lent their support in a video shared by the BCCI.
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“Both teams are wearing green armbands to support BCCI’s initiative ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’. The initiative is spearheaded by ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah,” the BCCI stated.
The two teams are wearing green arm bands to support BCCI’s initiative “Donate Organs, Save Lives”.
The initiative is spearheaded by ICC Chairman Mr Jay Shah.
Pledge, spread the word, and let’s be a part of something truly meaningful.#DonateOrgansSaveLives | @JayShah pic.twitter.com/QQ532W26wd
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 12, 2025
The campaign was notably enhanced by the appearance of two organ recipients at the toss—Gunjan Umang Dani, a lung transplant recipient, and Deepti Vimal Shah, who has received a kidney transplant. Standing alongside Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler, they underscored the importance of the cause. Their presence highlighted the transformative effect organ donation can have on lives, reinforcing the vital need to raise awareness through cricket’s extensive platform.
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Former India cricketer Suresh Raina, who was in the commentary box, lauded the effort. “This is truly commendable. The BCCI’s contribution in promoting such a crucial medical cause deserves immense appreciation,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the cricketing front, Buttler won the toss yet again, opting to field first. The last time India batted first at this venue was on November 19, 2023—a painful date for Indian fans. However, they were hopeful of scripting a different result this time around.
