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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have decided to break away from their traditional practice of wearing the green jersey exclusively for Match 36 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
RCB’s green kit for away game against KKR
In a surprising move, RCB announced that they would be sporting the green kit for their away game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday (April 21). The green jersey has been an iconic symbol for RCB since 2011, as they continue to wear it for one select afternoon match during every IPL season. In addition to wearing the green jersey, RCB’s captains over the years have also presented a plant as a memento to the opposing team’s captain.
Harnessing positive energy for success
RCB had unveiled their new green kit for this season ahead of the tournament opener in Chennai, coinciding with their name change to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Now, by opting to wear the green kit for an away game, RCB will hope to harness the positive energy associated with the green jersey and translate it into on-field success, regardless of the venue. As they step onto the field in Kolkata adorned in their iconic green jerseys, RCB will be aiming to make a statement and turn the tide in their favor, backed by the support of their passionate fans and their enduring commitment to environmental sustainability
Here are the reason behind RCB wearing green jerseys in the IPL:
The decision for RCB to don green jerseys in the IPL was driven by their commitment to environmental sustainability and awareness.
- Environmental Awareness: RCB’s choice of green jerseys is symbolic of their commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives. By wearing green jerseys, RCB aims to raise awareness about environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and conservation.
- Go Green Campaign: The adoption of green jerseys is often part of RCB’s “Go Green” campaign, which is designed to promote eco-friendly practices and encourage fans to take action for a greener planet. Through this campaign, RCB seek to inspire fans to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.
- Platform for Advocacy: The IPL provides RCB with a massive platform to reach millions of cricket fans across the globe. By wearing green jerseys during IPL matches, RCB leverages this platform to amplify their message of environmental responsibility and encourage fans to support environmental causes.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Many sports teams, including RCB, view CSR as an integral part of their organizational ethos. By incorporating green initiatives such as wearing green jerseys, RCB demonstrates THEIR commitment to social and environmental causes, aligning with the values of corporate responsibility.
- Fan Engagement: RCB’s green jersey matches often involve fan engagement activities focused on environmental awareness. These initiatives may include tree planting drives, beach cleanups, recycling campaigns, and educational workshops on sustainability, allowing fans to actively participate in the team’s green initiatives.
- Unique Identity: Apart from its environmental significance, the green jersey also serves as a distinctive identity for RCB. It sets them apart from other teams and creates a memorable visual impact on the field, enhancing the team’s brand visibility and recognition.
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RCB’s performance in the Green Jersey in the Indian Premier League (IPL):
2011 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: In this match, RCB demonstrated their dominance over Kochi Tuskers Kerala with a comprehensive nine wickets victory. Batting first, Kochi Tuskers struggled to build momentum and posted a modest total of 125 runs. Chris Gayle‘s explosive innings of 44 runs off just 16 balls set the stage for RCB’s chase. With a solid partnership between Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan, RCB comfortably chased down the target, securing a convincing win.
2012 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: Despite a commendable batting effort from RCB, with Mayank Agarwal scoring 74 runs and Dilshan contributing 50, Mumbai Indians (MI) emerged victorious by five wickets. Ambati Rayudu‘s resilient innings of 84 runs, supported by a crucial partnership with Kieron Pollard, propelled Mumbai to victory, even after a shaky start.
2013 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: RCB suffered another setback as Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a seven wicket victory. Despite posting a challenging total of 174/5, powered by Gayle’s explosive 77 and Virat Kohli‘s composed 57, Punjab chased down the target convincingly. Adam Gilchrist‘s aggressive 85 and Azhar Mahmood‘s valuable 61 led Punjab to victory.
2014 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: RCB faced a tough challenge against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ultimately losing by 8 wickets. Despite Kohli’s fighting knock of 73 runs, RCB could only manage to set a target of 154/6. In response, Chennai comfortably chased down the total, with MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis leading the charge.
2015 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: The match between RCB and the then Delhi Daredevils (DD) ended in a no result due to unforeseen circumstances, possibly rain. Delhi posted a competitive total of 187/5, led by Quinton de Kock‘s 69 and JP Duminy‘s aggressive 67. Unfortunately, rain interrupted the match with RCB at 2/0, leading to no result.
2016 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: RCB delivered a dominating performance against Gujarat Lions (GL), securing a massive 144-run victory. RCB posted a mammoth total of 248/3, with Kohli scoring 109 and AB de Villiers smashing 129. In response, Gujarat crumbled under pressure, getting bundled out for just 104 runs.
2017 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: Despite posting 159/6, RCB faced defeat against KKR. Travis Head and Mandeep Singh‘s crucial half-centuries weren’t enough as Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine‘s explosive batting propelled KKR to victory, securing a six-wicket win.
2018 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: In a closely contested match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB faced defeat despite putting up a spirited performance. Rajasthan emerged victorious by 19 runs in a thrilling encounter. Batting first, Rajasthan were propelled by a stellar innings from their skipper, Sanju Samson, who played a crucial knock of 92 runs. His innings laid a strong foundation for the Rajasthan, guiding them to a formidable total of 217/4. In reply RCB could scored only 198/6 in reply.
2019 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: RCB suffered a defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals (DC), despite posting a total of 149/8. Kagiso Rabada‘s four-wicket haul rattled RCB’s batting lineup. In response, Shreyas Iyer‘s captain’s innings of 67 guided Delhi to a four-wicket victory.
2020 – Dubai International Stadium, Dubai: RCB faced another defeat against CSK posting 145/6 on a spin-friendly track in Dubai. In response, Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s brilliant innings of 65 off 51 balls guided CSK to an eight wicket victory.
2022 – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: RCB defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 67 runs in a one-sided contest. Du Plessis and Rajat Patidar propelled RCB to 192/3. In response, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was bundled out for 125 runs, with Wanindu Hasaranga shining with figures of 5/18.
2023 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: RCB emerged victorious against Rajasthan by 7 runs in a thrilling encounter. Glenn Maxwell‘s aggressive 77 and Du Plessis’ 62 powered RCB to 189/9. Harshal Patel’s three-wicket haul worked brilliantly in favour of RCB as Rajasthan fell short, managing only 182/6.
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2021 – Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (Played in Blue Jersey): RCB opted to wear blue jerseys as a tribute to COVID-19 warriors. However, they faced a tough challenge against KKR, getting bundled out for just 92 runs. Despite their efforts, RCB couldn’t build substantial partnerships, and none of their batters could make significant contributions. KKR chased down the target comfortably, winning by nine wickets.
