Rajasthan Royals pay tribute to their first captain late Shane Warne

Rajasthan Royals on Saturday paid glowing tributes to late Shane Warne, saying the Australian spin legend had shaped the values of the franchise and impacted the careers of many players during his stint as captain in the Indian Premier League. Warne played 55 matches for Rajasthan Royals between 2008 and 2011. He led the side to the IPL title in the inaugural edition in 2008.

That triumph remains RR's only IPL title till date. He was instrumental in grooming a host of young Indian cricketers who were part of the Royals' squad during that period. "Everyone associated with the Rajasthan Royals is still shocked and devastated.

Our first thoughts are for his family, who he cherished so dearly. We will ensure that he is never forgotten, and that his millions of fans in India get an opportunity to pay their respects," the Royals' Lead Owner Manoj Badale said in a release. "Shane (Warne) was the first Royal.

Our first captain. Our first family member. And Our first champion.

He provided so many memories on and off the pitch. He shaped the values of the RR franchise. He co-created the Royals.

And he helped transform the story of the Indian Premier League (IPL)." Warne, who redefined the art of spin bowling to become one of the greatest in international cricket, died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday. He was 52 and is survived by two daughters and a son. "He (Warne) positively impacted the careers of so many – launching Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, re-energising the careers of Shane Watson and Jos Buttler, working with Rahul Dravid and Graeme Smith, and helping so many young cricketers play at, and often, above their potential.