Paying tribute — Team India style

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, handed the caps to his team-mates ahead of the third ODI in Ranchi against Australia

The Indian Cricket team members seen wearing the Army Cap while entering the stadium during the 3rd One Day International Between India and Australia at the JSCA Ground in Ranchi on Friday, March 08, 2019.

In a fine gesture to show their solidarity with the armed forces, members of the Indian cricket team on Friday wore camouflage caps and donated their match fees of the third ODI against Australia for soldiers’ welfare.

The idea was apparently floated by local boy Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, who handed over the caps to the team members and support staff prior to the side's warm-up at the JSCA Stadium.

After Dhoni was through with handing over the caps, India captain Virat Kohli returned the favour to his former skipper.

“This is to pay respect to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack and their families. All the players of the team have decided to donate their fees for this match to the National Defence Fund.

“I, as captain of the team, urge everyone to do the same — donate as much as they can to the NDF and help in the education and well-being of the children and families. This is a special cap and a special match indeed,” said Kohli.

Following Kohli's decision to field, the crowd cheered the players as they came out wearing the special caps bearing the BCCI logo.

Later, TV commentators, including several former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, L. Sivaramakrishnan and Kartik Murali — were also seen wearing these caps.

It is understood the team will donate ₹1 crore, with the players contributing ₹8 lakh and the reserves ₹3 lakh each.