WATCH: Virat Kohli fans honour his Test legacy with special 'white jerseys' ahead of RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 clash

Published - 17 May 2025, 19:18 IST | Updated - 17 May 2025, 19:33 IST

Virat Kohli's fans were spotted purchasing and wearing the Jersey Number 18 in all whites outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League). Fans are expected to honour Kohli for his contribution to Indian cricket in the longest format of the game.

RCB's caps, jerseys, and other merchandise were sold outside the stadium before the match against KKR. Many fans were spotted in white Indian Test jerseys with the number 18, who were ready hours before the start of the match to pay tribute to the former Indian captain. Some carried posters with slogans to honour Virat Kohli's Test legacy.

Heavy traffic was visible outside the stadium due to the presence of a huge crowd. Fans were interviewed and asked about the return of the IPL and the retirement of the 36-year-old from the longest format of the game. Police controlled the crowd well, as there were chants of "RCB" and "Virat" outside the stadium.

Chopra concerned over RCB fans' white-jersey tribute plan

RCB and KKR will face each other in the first match since the suspension of the IPL 2025 due to security concerns. RCB has a good chance to finish in the top 2 of the points table to earn themselves a chance to play Qualifier 1. On the other hand, it is a must-win game for KKR to stay alive in the tournament.

The defending champions have not been at their best in the 18th edition of the league. However, they would like to give their everything to try and qualify for the playoffs to give themselves a good chance to defend their title.

Rain could interfere with their match, as the forecast has suggested it could hamper the toss and play. A win for the home side would mean a confirmation of their qualification for the playoffs. A loss or even the match getting washed out without a result would mean the end of the road for the defending champions.