Yesterday was the last timeu00a0 Australian spin legend, Shane Warne trained before any cricket match of his life.

The feeling that we'll never see those flippers, wrong-uns and rippers that have foxed even the greatest batsmen of his era after today, is hard to digest. Quite naturally, the eyes couldn't get enough of his every move.


Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne takes a drag ahead of their
practice session at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK

The first Indian Premier League champions, Rajasthan Royals will be up against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium today. The match holds no real importance for Warne's team, who are out of the reckoning for a play-off berth, but it is an important clash for Sachin Tendulkar's men, who need one win to qualify.

The legendary leg spinner arrived at Wankhede last evening for a routine practice session. His carefree attitude was again on display when he was seen taking a few drags of a cigarette outside the dressing room, minutes before the practice session.

Warne stood outside the dressing room, getting a feel of the new ground and watching the proceedings before marshalling his troops for warm-up exercises. The livewire that he is, Warne was constantly chatting with the team and motivating them to go the extra mile.

After a stretching session, the legend immediately went into the nets where he was seen rolling his arm over for the last time in a training session. He bowled non-stop for an hour and simultaneously guided and gave instructions to his teammates in the adjacent nets before heading back into the dressing room.

Warne also shared a few bowling tips with a net bowler, who approached him for advice.u00a0

Ajinkya Rahane paid a rich tribute to his skipper Warne. "I have learnt a lot from him ufffd his discipline and dedication towards the game, besides his fighting attitude," said Rahane, who has also played under Tendulkar for Mumbai Indians.

He also said that the team is unaffected by the Warne-Sanjay Dixit drama.

"I don't know anything about the controversy, but we are enjoying ourselves. The mood is very good in the team," he said.

"We will play for his pride. We know that Shane Warne will be up against Sachin Tendulkar for the last time so it will be a very important match. We hope to give a good farewell to Warne," he added.