Virat Kohli in RCB's Green Jersey [Source: @LaluDhfm_4005/x.com]
Since 2011, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been donning special green jerseys for one match each IPL season to promote environmental awareness. These matches have become a tradition for the franchise, with varying results over the years. How has RCB's talisman Virat Kohli performed in these special fixtures? Let's dive into the numbers.
Virat Kohli In Green Jersey: Impressive Overall Record
Despite RCB's struggles in green jersey matches (4 wins, 9 losses, 1 no result), Kohli has maintained impressive personal statistics in these games:
Stat
Value
Innings
13
Total Runs
441
Average
33.92
Strike Rate
141.8
Fifties
4
Hundreds
1
Boundaries
28 fours, 22 sixes
The Green Jersey Century By Kohli
The highlight of Kohli's green jersey performances came in 2016 against Gujarat Lions. In this match, Kohli unleashed a breathtaking assault, scoring 109 runs off just 55 balls with a strike rate of 198.18. His innings included 6 fours and 8 sixes as RCB demolished Gujarat Lions by 144 runs - their biggest win in a green jersey match.
Kohli's Recent Struggles Mirror Team's Fortunes
While Kohli's overall green jersey record remains impressive, his recent performances have declined sharply:
Season
Opponent
Runs
Balls
Dismissal
2021
KKR
5
5
LBW
2022
SRH
0
1
Caught
2023
RR
0
1
LBW
2024
KKR
18
7
Caught & Bowled
These struggles mirror RCB's recent inconsistency, though his quick-fire 18 in the 2024 edition showed glimpses of his attacking prowess with a strike rate of 257.14.
Virat Kohli's Golden Period In Green Jersey (2013-2020)
Between 2013 and 2020, Kohli was at his devastating best in green jersey matches, scoring 387 runs at an average of 48.37. This period included all five of his 50+ scores in these special fixtures:
109 vs Gujarat Lions (2016)
73 vs Chennai Super Kings (2014)
57 vs Punjab Kings (2013)
57 vs Rajasthan Royals (2018)
50 vs Chennai Super Kings (2020)
As RCB prepares for their next green jersey match, fans will be hoping Kohli can recapture his form of this golden period. His performances in these environmental awareness matches not only highlight his batting prowess but also showcase his ability to rise to the occasion in matches that carry special significance for the franchise and its cause.