At Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, loyal fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were treated to a thrilling spectacle on Tuesday, March 18. The highly anticipated reveal of the franchise’s fresh jersey and logo for the upcoming IPL 2024 took center stage, but the atmosphere was further ignited by the dynamic appearance of former Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s dynamic appearance at the RCB unbox event 2024
During the RCB Unbox event, the men’s team extended a warm welcome to the victorious RCB Women’s team, who had recently clinched the WPL 2024 title, honoring them with a hero’s welcome and a guard of honor. However, the atmosphere at the packed M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru became electrifying as the name of Kohli reverberated throughout the venue, sparking waves of jubilation and excitement among the crowd.
Also WATCH: Smriti Mandhana & Co. receive Guard of Honour from RCB men’s team at their Unbox Event
Kohli’s electrifying address to the fans in Kannada
As Kohli graced the stage, chants of “Kohli Kohli” reverberated throughout the stadium, igniting the atmosphere with fervor. While the new jersey, adorned with its signature red hue complemented by blue accents and a golden lion badge, garnered admiration, Kohli’s address in Kannada amplified the crowd’s excitement.
The 35-year-old was welcomed as a hero, with chants of his name resounding as he stepped onto the stage. To elevate the electric atmosphere further, a viral video circulated on social media capturing Kohli’s apparent reciprocation of the fans’ energy by conversing in Kannada. Kohli’s proclamation, “I just wanna let everyone know – ‘Idu RCB Hosa Adhyaya,’” meaning “This is a new chapter for RCB,” resonated deeply with the fans, symbolizing a fresh beginning and a renewed determination to bring the IPL trophy back to Bengaluru.
Here’s the video:
Virat Kohli speaking Kannada.
– “THE NEW CHAPTER OF RCB” 👑pic.twitter.com/KQWk4Wdab8
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 19, 2024
The Chinnaswamy crowd reaction when Virat Kohli spoke Kannada.
– King Kohli is an emotion. ❤️pic.twitter.com/T387OFeXzI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 19, 2024
The resounding reception and Kohli’s humorous interaction
Kohli initiated, “It’s delightful to be back,” amidst the thunderous roar of the fans, his voice barely audible. The adulation persisted for a good half-minute before the batting maestro could proceed. With a touch of humor, acknowledging the tight schedule, Kohli addressed the passionate audience, “Guys, we need to head to Chennai pretty swiftly tonight. We have a chartered flight, so time is of the essence,”
This is his KINGDOM pic.twitter.com/VNOl4H44Yh
— SUPRVIRAT (@ishantraj51) March 19, 2024
Kohli’s gesture and the vibrant energy at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium
Despite the limited interaction, Kohli’s brief address in Kannada ignited the stadium. This simple gesture by the revered cricketer reaffirmed his profound connection with the RCB fanbase and their shared fervor for the game. The vibrant energy at the Stadium serves as a testament to the immense popularity Kohli commands, not only as a cricketer but also as a local icon for the Bengaluru franchise.
Notably the Challengers are poised to kick off their 17th season against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, on March 22 in Chepauk.
Also READ: Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana gift Alan Walker a newly branded RCB jersey with ‘unique number’
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