Table of Contents
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are known for their vibrant red and black jerseys, but once a year, they don a striking green kit as part of their “Go Green” initiative. Launched in 2011, this campaign underscores RCB’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with jerseys crafted from recycled materials and matches dedicated to raising awareness about eco-friendly practices. While the initiative has won hearts, RCB’s on-field record in the green jersey has been a mixed bag. Let’s dive into the history, performance, and significance of RCB’s green jersey, culminated in their recent clash with Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 season.
The genesis of the green jersey
In 2011, RCB introduced the “Go Green” initiative to align cricket with environmental consciousness. The franchise pledged to make their home games eco-friendly, from reducing plastic waste at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to promoting sustainable practices among fans. The green jersey, made from recycled polyester, became the centerpiece of this campaign, symbolizing hope and renewal.
A fan-favorite tradition
The green jersey quickly became a fan favorite, not just for its vibrant hue but for what it stooꦰd for. Each year, RCB dedicates one home match to this cause, turning the stands into a sea of green as supporters rally behind the team’s eco-mission. The initiative has also included tree-planting drives and partnership🌳s with environmental organizations, making it more than just a jersey swap.
RCB’s green jersey record: Wins, losses, and memorable moments
Since 2011, RCB have played 15 matc🔥hes in their green jersey, with a record of 5 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no-result. Below is a detailed look at their performance year by year.
2011: A winning start
- Opponent: Kochi Tuskers Kerala
- Result: Won by 9 wickets
- Highlight: The inaugural green jersey match saw RCB chase down a modest target with ease, setting an optimistic tone for the initiative.
2012: Mumbai’s mastery
- Opponent: Mumbai Indians
- Result: Lost by 5 wickets
- Highlight: Despite a valiant effort, RCB couldn’t defend their total against a strong Mumbai side, marking their first green jersey defeat.
2013: Punjab’s power
- Opponent: Kings XI Punjab
- Result: Lost by 7 wickets
- Highlight: Punjab’s batters chased down RCB’s score comfortably, exposing early cracks in the green jersey’s luck.
2014: Chennai’s Dominance
- Opponent: Chennai Super Kings
- Result: Lost by 8 wickets
- Highlight: CSK’s clinical performance left RCB reeling, adding to their green jersey woes.
2015: Rain plays spoilsport
- Opponent: Delhi Daredevils
- Result: No Result (rain)
- Highlight: The only green jersey match without a result, washed out due to Bengaluru’s unpredictable weather.
Also WATCH: Krunal Pandya deceives Sanju Sa𝓡mson in his web of spin during RR vs RCB match in IPL 2025
2016: A historic triumph
- Opponent: Gujarat Lions
- Result: Won by 144 runs
- Highlight: This remains RCB’s most iconic green jersey game. Virat Kohli (100*) and AB de Villiers (129*) unleashed a batting masterclass, posting 248/3. Gujarat Lions crumbled for 104, giving RCB their biggest win in the initiative’s history.
2017: Kolkata’s comeback
- Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Result: Lost by 6 wickets
- Highlight: KKR chased down RCB’s total with relative ease, continuing the green jersey’s inconsistent run.
2018: Rajasthan’s resilience
- Opponent: Rajasthan Royals
- Result: Lost by 19 runs
- Highlight: RR’s disciplined bowling and batting outshone RCB, who faltered in their chase.
2019: Delhi’s determination
- Opponent: Delhi Capitals
- Result: Lost by 4 wickets
- Highlight: A close contest saw Delhi edge past RCB in a tense finish, adding to the green jersey’s losing streak.
2020: Chennai’s revenge
- Opponent: Chennai Super Kings
- Result: Lost by 8 wickets
- Highlight: CSK’s bowlers and batters dominated, leaving RCB with little to celebrate in their green avatar.
2022: Hyderabad’s hammering
- Opponent: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Result: Won by 67 runs
- Highlight: RCB bounced back with a commanding performance, defending a strong total to secure a much-needed green jersey win.
2023: Rajasthan’s redemption
- Opponent: Rajasthan Royals
- Result: Won by 7 runs
- Highlight: A thrilling encounter saw RCB defend a modest total, with their bowlers holding their nerve against RR’s chase.
2024: Kolkata’s heartbreaker
- Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Result: Lost by 1 run
- Highlight: One of the closest green jersey matches, RCB fell agonizingly short in a high-scoring chase, underscoring their struggles in crunch moments.
2025: Emphatic win over RR
- Opponent: Rajasthan Royals
- Result: Won by 9 wickets
- Highlight: Kohli and Phil Salt guided RCB to register an emphatic win in Jaipur. Both stars smashed their respective fifties and RCB completed the chase in 17.3 overs.
