Bengaluru Fans Snap Up Kohli’s No 18 Jersey After Test Retirement Announcement Ahead Of RCB Clash

Emotions are running high among cricket fans in Bengaluru as they prepare to watch their beloved Virat Kohli take the field at M Chinnaswamy Stadium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders. The match carries added sentiment as it comes on the heels of Kohli's retirement announcement from Test cricket — a decision that has sparked both admiration and heartbreak among supporters.

The retirement news has prompted an outpouring of love and respect from fans, especially in Bengaluru, Kohli's IPL home for over a decade.

Virat Kohli's No. 18 Jersey: Fans Turn To Tribute

Supporters have been seen donning his iconic No. 18 jersey in a spontaneous campaign to honour his contribution to Test cricket. Merchandise sales bearing Kohli's name and number have surged in the city, with stores reporting record numbers.

A group of RCB supporters have requested the fans to wear Virat Kohli's iconic jersey to the Bengaluru Stadium on Saturday. 

One of the most devoted fans, Manoj from Odisha, expressed his admiration in a bold way — by getting a tattoo of Kohli’s portrait inked on his body. "Virat Kohli should take back his decision to retire from Test cricket," he said, as per ANI. 

Another young fan, wearing RCB colors outside the stadium, shared, "I am sad that Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. He is dependable in Tests, and I like his fitness and aggression."

Kohli’s Farewell

On May 12, Kohli took to Instagram to officially announce his departure from the longest format of the game. In an emotional post, the former Indian Test captain reflected on his journey, saying:

"As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for," Kohli wrote.

ALSO READ: How A Rain-Hit RCB vs KKR Match Could Hurt Kolkata's Playoff Hopes

sports