Virat Kohli may have walked away from Test cricket, but RCB fans are making sure he gets the farewell he deserves—on their terms, in their colors, or rather, in his.
A Sudden Goodbye That Left Everyone Reeling
When Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, the cricketing world was stunned. At just 36, many believed he still had years left in the longest format. His graceful technique, unmatched intensity, and unwavering commitment had made Test cricket cool again for an entire generation raised on T20 fireworks.
“I never imagined the journey this format would take me on… It’s not easy — but it feels right,” Kohli wrote in an emotional Instagram post.
For fans, it didn’t feel right at all. There was no farewell tour, no standing ovation in whites before a packed stadium, no last roar with the red ball. Just a quiet goodbye. But fans, especially those of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have decided that if Kohli won’t get a proper Test farewell from the field, they’ll give him one from the stands.
The Tribute: From Red to White
RCB’s next clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17 is about to become unforgettable. Fans are rallying around a viral message that calls on everyone attending the game to ditch their iconic red RCB jerseys and wear white instead—a symbolic nod to Kohli’s beloved Test cricket.
“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,” reads a touching message from the online flyer making the rounds.
It’s a simple but deeply meaningful gesture. Whether it’s a proper white jersey or just a plain tee, fans are preparing to turn Chinnaswamy into a sea of white as a sign of respect, admiration, and love for the man who gave everything to the red-ball format.
Why This Matters
RCB fans are known for their loyalty. Even without an IPL trophy, they’ve stayed behind their team with unmatched passion. Virat Kohli, who has been the heart and soul of RCB for over a decade, is central to that love story.
“This gesture could be a powerful way to show that his legacy goes far beyond stats – it lives in the hearts of fans,” says the public message urging fans to participate.
A Legacy That Transcends Formats
Virat Kohli’s Test career may not have ended with fanfare on the field, but his impact on the game is undeniable. He made the white kit fashionable again. He fought hard for fitness, discipline, and pride in the format many had started to overlook. His captaincy redefined India’s approach to Tests, especially overseas.
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle captured the sentiment perfectly:
“He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that Test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.”
What’s Next: IPL Resumes Amid Political Turmoil
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League had faced a brief suspension due to rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, following the Pahalgam massacre and India’s military response under “Operation Sindoor.”
With a ceasefire now in place, the IPL is set to resume on May 17, and RCB’s match against KKR will be the first after the break. The final, originally scheduled for May 25, will now be played on June 3.
But all eyes will be on May 17—not just for the cricket, but for the emotional tribute fans have planned for their legend.
Calling All RCB Fans: Are You Ready?
Whether you're watching from the stands or your living room, the message is clear:
Wear white. Show up. Say thank you.
This isn’t just about cricket. It’s about celebrating an era, a man, and a legacy that made fans fall in love with the game all over again.
