MI vs DC IPL 2024: What is ESA Day? Mumbai Indians & Reliance Foundation's Special Initiavtive

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Mumbai Indians will celebrate the ESA Day on Sunday (April 7) when they host Delhi Capitals in match 20 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Wankhede Stadiumin Mumbai.

The five-time champions MI, who have made a winless start to the new season, started the tradition of marking a day in the IPL season as ESA Day at their home venue since the last season when the lucrative league returned to the traditional home and away format.

Since the start of IPL, several teams have reserved a day in the season as special days like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. RCB played one of their home games as go green day, while Royals played a game as all pink day.

Mumbai Indians has celebrated ESA Day since last season, but have been support of the cause from a very long time. So, what does the day mean and what do the franchise do on that day?

What is ESA Day?

The day is a part of the Reliance Foundation (RIL's CSR arm) and Mumbai Indians' initiative Education and Sports for All (ESA). On this day, MI invites kids from NGOs across the city to watch a live game and cheer on their favourite cricketers.

Mumbai Indians have been supporting sports and education for under privileged children through the (ESA) since 2010, under the umbrella of Reliance Foundation.

This year, Mumbai Indians will open its doors to over 18,000 children, including 200 children with special needs, hailing from diverse NGOs from across the city to watch and cheer for their favorite cricketers in a live IPL match at the stadium.

As Mumbai Indians take on Delhi Capitals in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League this Sunday, the stands will come alive with the energy and enthusiasm of thousands of young fans, donning their ESA t-shirts.

These children, accompanied by 2000 volunteers and a fleet of 500 BEST buses, will be treated to a day filled with excitement, joy, and cricketing action.

They will have the opportunity to witness their cricketing heroes in action, soak in the electric atmosphere of the stadium, and create lasting memories that will inspire them for years to come.

Will Mumbai Indians team wear different jersey for ESA Day match?

Last year, the Mumbai Indians men's team sported the jersey design of the women's team, but this year there is no information if the players will wear a different kit for the match. However, there is every chance the same tradition could be followed even this year.

No matter the jersey, Mumbai Indians will be looking to end the slide as they search their first win of the season under new captain Hardik Pandya, who has received a lot of flak from the fans across the country so far.