The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), on Saturday, has announced that they will be sporting the blue jersey in their fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as they resume their IPL 2021 campaign. The initiative is a means to pay tribute and honour the frontline workers who have been in constant action in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Ahead of their game against KKR, RCB further announced that upon every boundary scored and for every wicket taken by the team’s players during the match, their sponsors will donate to help the frontline warriors.
“For every 6, 4 we hit and wicket we take today, our Title Sponsor be donating towards Give India’s frontline efforts. #CheerWithMuthootBlueforRCB @MuthootIndia #MuthootFinCorp #MuthootBlue #RCB #IPL #PlayBold #1Team1Fight,” RCB tweeted from its official account.
The tweet also contains a video featuring skipper Virat Kohli, dashing opener Devdutt Padikkal, and spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal. Bangalore’s star players urged the fans to cheer for the team as they don the blue jersey for a special occasion and extend their support for the noble cause.
Just a night before RCB’s encounter against KKR, the swashbuckling batsman, who has been the face of the franchise over the years, Virat Kohli, made a shocking revelation that he will step down as the captain of the side after the conclusion of IPL 2021.
“It has been a great and inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years. It wasn’t an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise,” Kohli said in an official statement.
However, he will continue to be a part of the team as a player. “The RCB family remains close to my heart as we continue to strive to achieve excellence. As I have mentioned previously on many occasions, I will only play for RCB until I retire from the game of cricket,” Kohli further stated.
Royal Challengers Bangalore chairman Prathmesh Mishra, acknowledging Virat’s contribution towards RCB, said:
“Virat Kohli is one of the finest cricketers and has been a true asset to RCB. His impeccable work ethic and leadership skills have been phenomenal. We respect and support this decision and would like to thank Virat for his incredible contribution to the RCB leadership group. He has left an indelible mark on the franchise and will continue to be a senior member of the team.”
