It was a poignant sight as the Indian team came out on the ground for the national anthem, ahead of the fifth ODI against New Zealand, in Visakhapatnam, on Saturday. The Men in Blue sported their respective mothers' names on the backs of their jerseys instead of their own, as is customary.

Part of a unique idea launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and its sponsors Star India to bring about a greater deal of recognition for mothers, Ajinkya Rahane, skipper MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had featured in an ad to promote the idea.

As intended, the idea has gained a lot of sway.

During the toss, Dhoni was asked by Ravi Shastri about what it meant to him to wear a jersey with his mother's name. Dhoni replied "It's an initiative to appreciate the contribution of moms. It's often that we don't appreciate mothers' contributions in the same way that we have to. It's good that it's put in a public platform."

The Indian captain also went on to add that just as important it is to acknowledge what soldiers are doing for the country, it is equally important to appreciate what mothers do. Dhoni won the toss and put India in to bat first.