Is It Beautiful to See Fans Dressed in White for IPL Night? Manjrekar Reflects on Kohli Tribute
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Synopsis
In a moving tribute, fans donned white jerseys to honor Virat Kohli at the IPL match between RCB and KKR. Sanjay Manjrekar praised this heartfelt gesture, highlighting Kohli's impact on Test cricket. Despite the match being abandoned due to rain, the unity shown by fans captured an essential moment in cricket history.
Key Takeaways
- Fans honored Virat Kohli by wearing white jerseys.
- Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Kohli's impact on Test cricket.
- The match was abandoned due to rain.
- RCB leads the points table following the match.
- Kohli's legacy continues to inspire fans.
Bengaluru, May 18 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised the touching homage from fans during the IPL showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, where supporters united to celebrate Virat Kohli following his Test cricket retirement.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru turned into a stunning sea of white on Saturday night, as fans sported 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 straightforward social media appeal encouraging Royal Challengers Bengaluru followers to wear white Kohli jerseys during the RCB vs KKR match in recognition of his recent Test retirement. What began as a small idea rapidly evolved into a significant movement, as fans came together to honor the legacy of a player who dedicated himself to the red-ball game.
"The affection that fans have for Virat Kohli is extraordinary. This was an IPL night match, and fans dressed in white to celebrate a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history. That’s a remarkable gesture. For five years, he made Test cricket captivating and more popular. We often claim no player is larger than the game, but during a period when Test cricket struggled to engage audiences, Virat provided it the focus it sorely needed," Manjrekar remarked on JioHotstar.
"He’s still active in the IPL, but he always aimed to preserve the essence of Test cricket. As a captain, I’ve never witnessed an Indian Test skipper sustain such high intensity, even during challenging times. That’s an impressive legacy in itself," he continued.
Saturday’s match, marking the return of IPL 2025 after a week-long hiatus, was Virat Kohli’s first match since announcing his retirement from Test cricket via social media.
However, the match was canceled without a ball being bowled due to ongoing rain. Both teams received one point each; RCB moved to the top of the points table with 17 points from 12 games, edging closer to a confirmed playoff spot, while KKR, with 12 points from 13 games, has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the emotional connection that fans have with players like Virat Kohli. This tribute during the IPL not only underscores Kohli's stature in cricket but also reflects the evolving relationship between players and their supporters. Honoring such legacies is vital for the sport's growth, and events like these highlight the passion that cricket ignites in the nation.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of fans wearing white jerseys?
Fans wore white jerseys to pay tribute to Virat Kohli after his retirement from Test cricket, symbolizing their respect and admiration for his contributions.
What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Kohli?
Sanjay Manjrekar praised Kohli for making Test cricket more popular and engaging, emphasizing his commitment and leadership during challenging times.
Why was the RCB vs KKR match abandoned?
The match was abandoned due to persistent rain, preventing any play from occurring.
What impact did Kohli have on Test cricket?
Kohli significantly increased the popularity of Test cricket, attracting fans and enhancing their viewing experience.
What was the outcome of the match?
Both teams were awarded one point each, with RCB moving to the top of the points table while KKR was knocked out of playoff contention.
