In a unique gesture, Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans are set to turn up in whites when their team take on Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 on Saturday (May 17).
The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League is set to resume after a week’s pause due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The first match of the scheduled restart will see RCB play KKR on Saturday, May 17. While a win in three matches will see the home side to playoffs, KKR’s chances are hanging by a thread and would need something remarkable to seal a last-four berth.
In a unique move ahead of their high-stakes clash, Bengaluru’s passionate crowd are set to don white to rally behind their home team. Still chasing their elusive maiden title, RCB have so far looked like a well-oiled machine.
Also read: Explained: Why the IPL 2025 final is being shifted out of Kolkata
Why are RCB fans wearing white?
On May 12, Virat Kohli - their most-capped and most-endearing player - retired after a 14-year Test career. He played 123 matches, finishing as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. Kohli’s legacy was defined by his unwavering endorsement of Test cricket as the ultimate challenge, and that he led India to unprecedented heights in the format. He retired as India’s most successful Test captain, becoming the first Indian and Asian skipper to win a series in Australia.
A viral social media post appealed to RCB fans, urging attendees to wear white attire to mimic Test cricket’s traditional uniform as a tribute to the former India captain’s legacy in the format.
RCB fans request everyone to wear Test White jersey to give a great tribute to Virat Kohli. 👏❤️
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 13, 2025
- Amazing initiative by the fans! pic.twitter.com/phcg0ZfGMQ
Commentator Harsha Bhogle noticed the initiative and was touched by the gesture, describing it as "a sight for the ages".
"Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off," he posted on X.
Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 15, 2025
The initiative seems to have gained momentum, as street vendors were spotted selling Kohli’s replica Test jersey embossed with his iconic number 18, on the eve of the game.
Hawkers outside Chinnaswamy have stocked up the white jerseys in numbers. “Koeli tribute, guru.” pic.twitter.com/emv7n2wBTq
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) May 16, 2025
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