Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the rhino numbers in India are "rising exponentially" following the efforts made by the Indian government.

The South Africa-born cricketer, who himself leads an initiative for preservation and protection of endangered species, was reacting to PM Modi's tweet today lauding the Assam government for its rhino conservation efforts.

"Thank you, Narendra Modi! A global leader standing up for the planet's rhino species! If only more leaders would do the same. And this is the reason why rhino numbers in India are rising exponentially! What a hero!" tweeted Pietersen.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier on Thursday praised the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government for taking the bold step of burning 2500 kg of rhino horns yesterday to spread the message that they have no medicinal value.

"Commendable effort by Team Assam. The one-horned Rhino is India's pride and all steps will be taken for its well-being," said PM Modi in reply to a tweet by Sarma.

The Assam CM had tweeted that the extraordinary step of burning a stockpile of 2479 horns of single-horned Rhinos, first-of-its-kind globally in volume terms, pursues the vision of PM Modi of putting an end to poaching in Assam.

Also Read: World Rhino Day: Assam burns 2500 rhino horns to deter poaching