Will Rain Ruin Virat Kohli's Emotional Farewell? Fans Gear Up in White but Weather Plays Spoilsport

The IPL 2025 season is back with a bang, and the restart has all the makings of a blockbuster. The very first match of the resumed season features Royal Challengers Bangalore, now led by Rajat Patidar, who are just a step away from securing a playoff berth. They’re up against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, who are staring at a possible elimination. But this high-voltage encounter carries even more emotional weight—thanks to one man: Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s Test Farewell: An Unfinished Chapter

The unexpected suspension of IPL 2025 on November 9 due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions left fans disappointed. But the shock that followed just three days later was even more gut-wrenching. Virat Kohli, the modern-day icon of Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket—a decision that caught fans and the cricketing fraternity completely off guard.

For millions of fans, this was no ordinary retirement—it was the end of an era. Many had hoped to see their hero take one final bow on the field, soaking in the applause, not disappearing quietly off it. But fate had other plans.

A Farewell Campaign from the Heart

Now that IPL 2025 has resumed, the very first match is set at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli’s home ground. And fans have taken it upon themselves to do what BCCI couldn’t—give Kohli a memorable farewell.

A unique campaign began to take shape on social media: fans planned to show up at the stadium dressed in Kohli’s iconic Test jersey number 18 or in white clothes, symbolizing the Test format he bid goodbye to. The goal? To give Virat a symbolic farewell—right from the stands.

Photos and videos have already gone viral. Outside the stadium, Kohli’s Test jersey has been placed in tribute, and fans are turning up in large numbers, dressed in white, their love and loyalty on full display.

“This is what Virat Kohli has earned,” wrote one fan, posting a heartwarming photo of the sea of white that surrounded the stadium.

But Will Rain Play Villain?

Sadly, just as fans gear up for this emotional moment, Bangalore’s weather threatens to play spoilsport. With heavy rain forecasts, there is a real chance that the much-anticipated match may be washed out. If that happens, it will be another bitter pill for Kohli’s admirers to swallow.

Thousands have gathered, hearts full, eyes hopeful—but nature may not cooperate. If the match is canceled due to rain, Kohli might miss the chance to witness the tribute live, and fans might leave the stadium with more tears than cheers.

One More Chance?

All hope isn’t lost though. RCB has one more home match left in the season. So even if the clouds pour down today, the fans still have another opportunity to celebrate their hero in style. The spirit is unbreakable, just like Kohli’s legacy.