RCB fans plan a ‘Test white’ tribute to Kohli at IPL fixture

Bengaluru: In a heartfelt gesture, fans are planning to flood the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in white shirts as a tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test career on Saturday, during the RCB Vs KKR match in Bengaluru — the first game since Kohli’s retirement announcement.

The idea was sparked on social media by RCB supporter VJ Vishnu, whose community post on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral. The post urges fans to wear “Test whites” in the stands, symbolising the format where Kohli’s passion and leadership left an indelible mark.

"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?” Vishnu wrote.

Speaking to DH, the 21-year-old said the idea stemmed from a desire to honour Kohli. “We are just trying our best to give a tribute to the legend of the game — whose career ended midway, without the send-off he deserved,” he said.

Social media has become the heart of the movement. From viral visualisations of a sea of white in the stands to impassioned tweets tagging the official RCB handle, fans are urging the franchise to formally acknowledge what could be Kohli’s final game in RCB colours at home.

Wearing white, the traditional symbol of Test cricket, is often how fans pay tribute when a player steps away from the format. “We will wear Test jerseys to pay tribute,” Vishnu explained, adding that even plain white T-shirts would do.

When asked why Kohli stands out, Vishnu’s answer was simple: “He’s the best. And his character on and off the field has made me a fan.” 

'End of an era'

But the sentiment goes far beyond franchise loyalty. For many, Kohli’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era.

One emotional post read, “Hard to digest that we will be seeing India in whites without its greatest of this generation.”

Fans remain hopeful the gesture will be executed respectfully. Vishnu said that a fundraising initiative to distribute jerseys outside the stadium has also been proposed.