The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faithful at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed a double dose of excitement on Tuesday. The much-anticipated unveiling of the franchise’s new jersey and logo for the upcoming IPL 2024 was overshadowed by the electrifying presence of former Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
The RCB Unbox event saw the men’s team giving a rousing welcome to the recently crowned WPL 2024 champions, the RCB Women’s team, a hero welcome, and a guard-of-honor at the event. However, the stadium erupted in joy, and defeating voices spread across Bengaluru as Virat Kohli’s name was announced in front of a packed M. Chinnaswamy stadium.
Read More – Check out Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s New Jersey Revealed at RCB Unbox 2024
Thunderous chants of "Kohli, Kohli" – a testament to his stature as the face of cricket. 👑🔥#ViratKohli #RCBUnbox #BharatArmypic.twitter.com/VCOFYl5m2s
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 19, 2024
Bahubali to KGF – RCB Fans Go Crazy For Virat Kohli on Twitter
RCB fans in Bengaluru turned the IPL 2024 unbox event into a frenzy for Virat Kohli. Chants of ”Kohli Kohli” echoed through the stadium as the former captain took the stage.
🏏👑 Only Virat Kohli fans are allowed to like this Entry ❤️🩹❤️#RCBUnbox #ViratKohli #KingKohli #RCB #IPL2024 #CricketFever pic.twitter.com/l7ZKn06x2Z
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) March 19, 2024
While the new jersey, retaining its signature red but replacing black with blue accents and a golden lion badge, received its share of appreciation, Kohli’s address in Kannada sent the crowd wild. The 35-year-old received a hero’s welcome, with chants of his name erupting as he took the stage.
Also Read – IPL 2024: MS Dhoni’s Main Man Among Three CSK Players Injured Ahead of RCB Opener
https://twitter.com/Pavancool06J/status/1770113704308428890
Virat Kohli’s Message in Kannada at RCB Unbox Event
Taking the electric atmosphere at the stadium a step further, a viral video circulating on social media captured Kohli seemingly reciprocating the fans’ energy by speaking Kannada. Virat declared, “I just wanna let everyone know – ‘Idu RCB Hosa Adhyaya,'” which translates to “This is a new chapter for RCB.”
ಹೊಸ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯ, This will be the most used clip after every win this season pic.twitter.com/nUSl7VW2Yu
— Insulter (@Insulter3730010) March 19, 2024
This short message, delivered in the local language, further resonated with the fans, signifying a fresh start and a renewed commitment to bringing the IPL trophy home to Bengaluru.
“It’s lovely to be back,” Kohli began, his voice barely audible over the thunderous roar of the fans. The admiration continued for a good half-minute before the crowd finally allowed the batting maestro to speak further.
This is his KINGDOM pic.twitter.com/VNOl4H44Yh
— SUPRVIRAT (@ishantraj51) March 19, 2024
With a touch of humor, acknowledging the tight schedule, Kohli addressed the passionate audience, “Guys, we need to get to Chennai pretty quickly tonight. We have a chartered flight, so we don’t have much time.”
Despite the limited interaction, Kohli’s brief address in Kannada ignites the stadium. This simple gesture by the beloved cricketer reaffirmed his deep connection with the RCB fanbase and their shared passion for the game. The energy at the Chinnaswamy Stadium serves as a reminder of the immense popularity Kohli enjoys, not just as a cricketer but also as a local icon for the Bangalore franchise.