Virat Kohli Not Acknowledging RCB Fans’ All-White Gesture at Chinnaswamy Doesn’t Sit Well with the Internet – “A Little Too One-Sided”

RCB fans turned out in all-white attire to honor Virat Kohli's Test retirement, but social media noticed that he did not acknowledge their tribute.

Virat Kohli Not Acknowledging RCB Fans’ All-White Gesture at Chinnaswamy Doesn’t Sit Well with the Internet – “A Little Too One-Sided”

Fans paid tribute to Viirat Kohli's Test career, after he announced his retirement from the longest format. (via India Today)

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli received a heart-felt tribute from the RCB fans, who turned out in all-white attire to commemorate the 36-year-old’s retirement from Test cricket. However, social media users noted that Kohli failed to acknowledge the home crowd’s gesture of support.

Virat Kohli, a week ago, shocked cricket fans by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 14-year journey with the Indian red-ball team. The former Indian skipper had previously informed the BCCI about his decision to call time on his Test career. Kohli’s decision to step down was perceived to be an abrupt one, prompted by criticism surrounding his recent form in the longest format of the game.

Kohli’s retirement comes just ahead of India’s upcoming Test series in England, that also kick-starts the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement has left a void in the Indian team, which already lacks experience and has been troubled by a streak of poor results over the past year. The BCCI is now in search of a new captain, with Shubman Gill being the front-runner. 

Meanwhile, Kohli, who many suggested should have continued playing Test cricket for a few more years, received a rousing reception from fans at the Chinnaswamy stadium, as he returned to play for the first time since his retirement. The 2025 IPL season was making its return after a week-long suspension that was forced by India’s cross-border tensions with Pakistan clashes.

Rains in Bengaluru washed away the match between RCB and KKR, but the home crowd, despite not getting to see Kohli bat, remained in high spirits. Ahead of the match, a group of RCB fans had called for the supporters to come to the stadium, wearing Kohli’s all-white number ’18’ Test jersey, to offer a fitting tribute to the former Indian captain who gave his everything for the longest format of the game.

In an organic outpour of support, thousands of RCB fans kept on chanting Virat Kohli’s name amidst a white sea, as they stayed back in the rain to have a glimpse of the 36-year-old star. However, to their utter dismay, Kohli failed to show up on the pitch, staying in the dressing room all the while. Many of them felt that Kohli should have come out after the match was called off, to acknowledge the crowd’s efforts. 

Nonetheless, RCB fans remain hopeful and have already planned a vibrant tribute to the experienced batter on May 23rd when RCB faces SRH at the same stadium. In the meantime, the abandoned match between RCB and KKR led to each team receiving one point.

Disappointment in Bengaluru as Virat Kohli fails to acknowledge home crowd who paid tribute to his Test career 

Social media users and fans were irked as Virat Kohli failed to acknowledge fans at the Chinnaswamy stadium, who came out in huge numbers to pay a tribute to his Test career.

RCB fans Virat Kohli social media
Fans were left dejected after Virat Kohli failed to acknowledge their tribute on his Test career. (via X)

Fans took to social media to express their discontent with Kohli’s attitude, as they hoped for a small gesture from the Indian cricketing icon. Many of them exclaimed that fans’ efforts seem ‘one-sided’, as Kohli did not do anything special for them.

One disgruntled fan even claimed that Kohli’s commitment to RCB was purely for financial gain and recognition, implying the team could thrive without him. Here are some of the reactions:

Virat Kohli is expected to continue playing ODIs for India until 2027. Following his recent Test retirement, there are strong rumors suggesting he might consider playing in the County Championship, with Middlesex having publicly expressed their interest in signing him.