As legions of cricket fans paid a special homage to Virat Kohli, the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was filled with white on the IPL day of May 17, 2025. The RCB city, with its large red-caped fandom, transformed into a sea of white in resonance with idolizing Kohli’s shining and enduring legacy over Indian cricket.
Simple Media Post Sparks an Idea
Tribute fundamentally started out with a post from social media asking all Kohli fans to turn up wearing white test jerseys or t-shirts in preparation for the IPL face-off against KKR. The idea took off and went viral, which further encapsulated Kohli’s fandom in Bengaluru and far beyond. Merchants around the stadium sold out of white Kohli jersey t-shirts, with the “Kohli 18” t-shirt being the most sought-after item of the day.
The Emotional Pulse of the Crowd
Even when the match was completely washed out due to heavy and relentless rain, the enthusiasm of the fans did not lower even a single bit. Fans of all ages came and proudly wore their white jerseys, while students, families, techies, and more proudly roared in the stands, chanting, “Kohli! Kohli!” Some fans claimed that witnessing the stadium becoming a sea of white for Kohli was an extraordinarily chilling experience. They claim that the experience was unforgettable and something highly nostalgic.
A City United for Its Cricketing Hero
Bengaluru identifies with Virat Kohli as strongly as Kohli identifies with Bengaluru. He has been the face of RCB for almost two decades now and is also the poster boy of Test cricket’s revival in India. This tribute was not simply about appreciating a sports person’s efforts but about how deeply a city and a sporting legend are connected. Supporters arrived as early as 4:30 pm just to catch a glimpse of Kohli, making placards and banners thanking him for his services towards red-ball cricket.
Nature also took part in recognising the efforts: Flock of white pigeons above Chinnaswamy
In a more artistic description of the event, a group of white pigeons was set free over the stadium, an act that supporters believed was nature’s own tribute to Kohli. The spectacle of the birds flying around and the white crowd bracketed beneath provided a remarkable and immense vision that will remain permanently imprinted in the minds of all who attended.
Kohli’s T20 Legacy Is Marked On the Big Screen
The heavy rainfall made sure that the audience wouldn’t be able to see their idol perform live, but at the same time, the large screen at the stadium revealed Kohli’s astonishing Test records, which resulted in thunderous applause. Throughout the stadium, “Kohli 18” was displayed in bloom on smaller TV screens, which illustrates the concept of the day and reinforces the deep impact Kohli’s character has had on Indian Test cricket.
An Ode Above and Below
More than a testimony of artistic talent, this tribute was built around the love that Kohli has generated towards Test cricket within the younger generation. This event was a testament to what the fans can do and the kind of bond that he shares with them. Spectators didn’t even let the weather inconveniences stop them from showing their passion and making the day dedicated to “King Kohli,” therefore creating a new standard for sporting tributes in India.
The evolution of Chinnaswamy Stadium to a white ocean is the testimony to the impact Kohli is still having and the regard he has earned over the years, not just as a cricketer but also as a mark of brilliance, tenacity, and sportsmanship in India.
