RCB fans to wear all-white in tribute to Virat Kohli at Chinnaswamy, Bhogle issues caution

Virat Kohli (Pic: IPL/BCCI)

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle lauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru fanbase for their initiative to honour Virat Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. The fans have proposed an all-white tribute during RCB's upcoming IPL 2025 fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

On May 12, Kohli stunned the cricketing world by revealing his decision to step away from Test cricket ahead of India's England tour, concluding an illustrious red-ball career spanning 123 matches. In response, RCB supporters have rallied together, calling on attendees to wear white attire, mimicking Test cricket's traditional uniform, to the stadium on May 17 as a token of gratitude and admiration for the former India captain's legacy in the longest format.

A fan-led statement passionately urging others to join the cause quickly gained traction online: "For the next RCB match, could you help spread the word and encourage fans to wear Test whites in the stadium as a tribute to Virat Kohli? He made so many of us fall in love with Test cricket, and even though I'll never get to see him play in whites live, I just want him to know how deeply loved he was in his favourite format. This gesture could be a powerful way to show that his legacy goes far beyond stats - it lives in the hearts of fans."

The post further emphasised grassroots efforts to distribute white shirts outside the venue. "Please think about it and help us make it real. It would mean the world to many of us. I even made a template. I also think we can raise fund to give away the jerseys outside Chinnaswamy. That's our best chance. Even if not jerseys, plain white t-shirts should do (sic)," the note added.

Bhogle, touched by the initiative, responded with admiration on social media, describing the idea as potentially iconic: "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."

However, he offered a light-hearted word of caution for the players on the field. "Only danger is that picking the ball in a white backdrop will become very difficult," Bhogle observed.

RCB will return to action against KKR this Saturday, as the IPL 2025 resumes following a week-long break.