Virat Kohli Test Retirement Tribute

Virat Kohli Test Retirement Tribute : RCB vs KKR Abandoned, Fans Honor Kohli in White | IPL 2025

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Virat Kohli Test Retirement Tribute : The rain may have robbed the cricket world of a highly-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening. Though not a single delivery was bowled, the atmosphere was electric, fuelled by emotion, nostalgia, and a collective tribute to one man—Virat Kohli.

This was no ordinary home fixture. It marked Kohli’s first appearance at the stadium since his shock announcement to retire from red-ball cricket. While the bat stayed silent and the game didn’t proceed, the stands roared in a way that made one thing clear: Virat Kohli’s legacy is bigger than the match itself.

A Sea of White for the Red-Ball Legend

In a striking show of solidarity and respect, thousands of fans turned up wearing white jerseys emblazoned with ‘Virat 18’, a symbolic nod to his legendary Test career. The Chinnaswamy crowd transformed into a tribute gallery—banners, posters, and chants all echoing one sentiment: gratitude.

The most memorable visual? A massive tifo that unfurled across the stands, bearing the message:
“Everyone loves Kohli. Thank you for keeping red-ball cricket so exciting.”
The image quickly spread across social media, melting hearts and making headlines. For a cricketer who’s been the face of India’s Test renaissance, it was an emotional moment—even if he wasn’t holding a bat.

“White for King Kohli”: Fans Plan for May 23

Though the match ended in a washout, the fans didn’t leave disappointed. If anything, it was a dress rehearsal for what is to come. RCB’s next home match is on May 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Bengaluru’s fanbase is already gearing up for another white-out tribute.

One viral comment on social media summed it up best:
“Request everyone, come in white for King Kohli in the Sunrisers match too.”
That comment sparked a flood of responses, with hundreds pledging to don white again next Friday. It’s clear the fans are planning something special—maybe bigger, maybe louder—for the farewell season of their king.

Playoff Race: RCB Marches On, KKR Stumble

From a tournament perspective, the shared point helped RCB. With 17 points from 12 games, the playoff door is all but wide open for Faf du Plessis’ side. Rain may have robbed them of a win opportunity, but it also guaranteed progression barring a mathematical miracle.

For Kolkata Knight Riders, the outcome was a final nail in the coffin. Stuck at 12 points from 13 matches, their chances of playoff qualification are now nonexistent. The 2025 campaign has been a story of missed chances for the Knights, and this match summed it up—a no-result, no redemption.

Kohli’s Final Stretch in Focus

For Kohli, this phase of the IPL is more than just a run-in to the playoffs. It’s a farewell tour of sorts—one last chance for fans to see the red-ball maestro in action, albeit in the shorter format. The crowd’s emotional response on Saturday wasn’t just about one player—it was about the end of an era.

While Kohli hasn’t spoken publicly since announcing his Test retirement, his silence on Saturday said it all. A simple wave to the crowd, a soft smile, and a humble acknowledgment of the love that poured down like the rain—it was vintage Kohli, letting his presence do the talking.

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