Bengaluru turned white on Saturday as cricket lovers gathered at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the RCB vs KKR game, but this time, it wasn’t just about IPL. The crowd had something else in mind.
Can RCB end their Trophy drought in IPL 2025? PREDICT and WIN WELCOME BONUS upto INR 20,000!
As thousands filled the stands, many wore the Indian Test jersey and not the red of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They took the initiative to honour RCB icon Virat Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from the longest format.
THE LOVE FOR KING KOHLI IN BENGULURU 🫡 pic.twitter.com/HACTKLdelq
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 17, 2025
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
What made this evening so emotional?
The IPL had just resumed after a break due to India-Pakistan cross-border tensions. And this was the first time Kohli was taking the field since his Test retirement news broke.
Supporters, still processing the announcement, made the night unforgettable by turning up in white, the colour of Test cricket, in honour of their hero.
#WATCH | Karnataka | #IPL2025 | Cricket fans buy Virat Kohli's Test merchandise, jersey number 18, ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders match, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2025
This will be Virat Kohli's first match after he announced his retirement… pic.twitter.com/iJPzDrN2PC
Though there was heavy rain before the toss, the fans didn’t leave. They stayed in their seats, chanting and cheering, all in tribute to a man who gave them countless memories.
How are fans showing their love for Kohli?
Ahead of the match, groups of supporters spread the word online, urging others to wear the iconic No. 18 jersey or any white shirt that reminded them of Kohli's red-ball journey. Social media picked up that message fast.
Shops across Bengaluru also saw a sharp rise in the sale of white jerseys with Kohli’s name on the back. Some stores even sold out of stock within hours, as fans rushed to grab a piece of cricket history.