RCB fans sell 'special' jail-themed jerseys outside Chinnaswamy, mocking CSK's 2-year ban from IPL

Banter between rival sides are part-and-parcel of sports. From chants and songs to reference in posters and social media, fans from rival team always try to show up against one-other.

Not to let an opportunity slide, Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans took part in the same for the match vs the Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, with the hosts looking to notch a league double over their rivals.

As fans started to arrive at the Chinnaswamy stadium, a small, peculiar road-side table shop had seemingly gathered a crowd around it. Why? Because it was selling special jerseys for the RCB Vs CSK match. These jerseys looked like the uniforms worn by inmates in a prison, and had various phrases on them, most notably '2016-17'.

The Chennai side had been banned from the IPL for two years, 2016 and 2017, which the t-shirts referenced.

Social media posts on the same went viral, with many claiming that these jerseys were made in retaliation to a viral, unverified image of CSK fans holding lollipops to taunt their rivals by referencing another viral banter between the two sides, "Ee Saala Cup? Lollipop!"

Many netizens reacted to it, with some, mostly CSK fans, saying it was in distaste, while others, including neutrals, stating that such exchanges between rival fans is what makes rivalries even better.

In Match 52, while CSK have nothing but their pride to play for, RCB will look to consolidate their position in the top 2 and make history with their first-ever league double against their bitter southern rivals.

Earlier this season, RCB secured a significant victory against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), defeating them by 50 runs. This win marked RCB's first triumph at Chepauk since 2008.

Historically, CSK has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 21 out of 34 encounters, while RCB has won 12, with one match ending in no result . However, recent performances indicate a more balanced competition, with each team winning three of their last six meetings since the 2022 season.