IPL 2021: Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is all geared up to don a specially designed blue IPL jersey on its opening game of the IPL 2021 phase 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match will be held in Abu Dhabi on September 20.
The blue jersey will pay tributes to all the frontline workers who have given their all to save humanity during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic originated from China’s Wuhan. Amid dire times, the frontline workers stepped up to save millions of people across the world.
RCB was supposed to sport the blue kit on May 3rd in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, however, the match got postponed due to ranging fear of covid 19 even before it could commence.
“What’s happening in our country with the spread of the COVID virus is deeply concerning. We as a franchise over the past week have had focused discussions on how we can help at the ground level and assist frontline workers in these dire times.”
The franchise also promised to provide immediate help in the healthcare infrastructure along with individual contributions from Virat Kohli and a few other players.
“RCB has identified key areas in which immediate help is required in healthcare infrastructure related to Oxygen support and will be making a financial contribution in this regard,” Kohli had said in a video released in May.
The kit also has a message inscribed on it which promotes covid19 safety and precautions recommended by the doctors and the health authorities of the country and around the world.
RCB has a history of sporting green jerseys once during each of the IPL seasons under the eco-friendly initiative, to support the environment and increase awareness among the viewers. However, the unprecedented rise in the covid-19 pandemic has pushed the franchise to opt for blue kit and support the health care workers.
“Over the years you’ve seen us wear a green jersey for a special environmental cause. But this year, you’ll see us wearing blue jerseys, matching the colour of PPE kits that the frontline warriors are wearing throughout the pandemic,” said AB de Villiers on a video shared by RCB on its social media handles.
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