Virat Kohli's supporters were seen buying and sporting the jersey number 18 in whites everywhere outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium prior to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match in the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League). The fans are set to pay tribute to Kohli for his service to Indian cricket in the longest form of the game.

 

RCB merchandise such as caps, jerseys, and other items were being sold outside the stadium prior to their match against KKR. There were large groups of fans wearing white Indian Test jerseys with the number 18, who turned up hours in advance to pay homage to the ex-Indian captain. Some of them were holding posters with slogans to pay respect to Virat Kohli's Test career.

 

The traffic outside the stadium looked heavy because there was an enormous crowd present.

The fans were interviewed and questioned on the comeback of the IPL and the retirement of the 36-year-old from the longest format of the game. The crowd was well managed by police, as there were slogans of "RCB" and "Virat" outside the stadium.

 

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RCB and KKR will lock horns in the first game after the suspension of the IPL 2025 because of security issues.

has a decent opportunity to end up in the top 2 of the points table to get themselves a chance to play Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, it is a must-win match for KKR to keep alive their hopes in the tournament.

 

The defending champions have not been playing their best in the 18th season of the league. But they would like to leave everything on the court in an attempt to qualify for the playoffs and give themselves a good opportunity to defend the title.

 

Rain might disrupt their game, as the weather forecast has indicated that it might affect the toss and play. The home team would have its qualification confirmed to the playoffs if they win. Defeat or even the match being washed out without a score would signify the end of the road for the defending champions.