Is Coming in White on IPL Night a Beautiful Gesture for Kohli?
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Synopsis
Fans of RCB came together in a stunning display of unity, honoring Virat Kohli in a heartfelt tribute during the IPL match against KKR. Sanjay Manjrekar celebrated this emotional moment and reflected on Kohli's impact on Test cricket. Discover the moving story behind this unforgettable night.
Key Takeaways
- Fans wore white jerseys in tribute to Kohli.
- The tribute highlighted Kohli's impact on Test cricket.
- The match was abandoned due to rain, awarding one point to each team.
- Kohli's legacy in cricket continues to inspire fans and players alike.
- RCB is on the verge of playoff qualification.
Bengaluru, May 18 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised the touching tribute from fans during the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, where supporters united to honor Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru turned into a stunning sea of white on Saturday evening, as fans wore white jerseys adorned with the legendary No. 18 to pay a heartfelt tribute to Kohli’s illustrious Test career.
This emotional gesture originated from a modest fan initiative—a simple social media post encouraging Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans to wear white Kohli jerseys during the RCB vs KKR match, in recognition of his recent Test retirement. What began as a small idea swiftly evolved into a significant movement, as fans rallied together to celebrate the legacy of a player who dedicated himself to the red-ball format.
"The affection fans have for Virat Kohli is truly remarkable. This was an IPL night match, and fans arrived in whites to honor a moment in Indian cricket history. That’s a beautiful gesture. Over five years, he made Test cricket captivating and more popular. We often say no player surpasses the game, but during a period when Test cricket was struggling to attract fans, Kohli gave it the attention it urgently needed," Manjrekar commented on JioHotstar.
"He’s still active in the IPL, but he always aimed to keep Test cricket thriving. As a captain, I’ve never witnessed an Indian Test skipper who maintained such high intensity, even when the team faced challenges or when things were not going well. That is a legacy in itself," he further added.
Saturday’s match, which marked the return of IPL 2025 after a week-long hiatus, was Virat Kohli’s first appearance since announcing his Test retirement through a social media post.
However, the match was called off without a ball bowled due to continuous rain. Both teams received one point each, leading RCB to the top of the points table with 17 points from 12 games, nearing a confirmed playoff spot, while KKR, with 12 points from 13 games, has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Point of View
It is our duty to recognize and celebrate the deep emotional connections that sports foster among fans. The tribute to Virat Kohli during the IPL match exemplifies how sports transcend mere competition, creating a sense of unity and collective appreciation for legends in the game. Nation stands with the fans in honoring such exceptional talent.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the tribute for Virat Kohli during the IPL match?
The tribute involved fans wearing white jerseys with the number 18 to honor Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket.
Who praised the fans' gesture?
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised the fans' heartfelt tribute during the match.
