Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Green Jersey Tradition Emphasizes Environmental Commitment
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are making a powerful statement both on and off the field as they face Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026. As part of their long-standing 'Green Initiative', RCB will once again take the field in their signature green jerseys, reinforcing their deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
More Than Just a Jersey: A Symbol of Sustainable Practices
Crafted entirely from recycled materials, the green jerseys symbolize far more than a one-off gesture. They reflect a broader, deeply embedded approach toward environmental stewardship that has become integral to the franchise's identity. According to an official release, RCB remains the only carbon-neutral T20 franchise in the world, underlining the significant scale and consistency of their efforts over many years.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru launched their "Go Green" initiative back in 2011 with the primary goal of raising awareness about environmental sustainability and promoting a cleaner planet. This annual tradition sees the team swap their iconic red kit for a green jersey for one designated home match every season. Their first appearance in the green kit occurred on May 8, 2011, against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, a match they won convincingly by nine wickets.
Memorable Moments in Green and a Tribute to Frontline Workers
The most famous game played in this distinctive green kit took place in 2016 against Gujarat Lions. During that memorable match, batting legends Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers both scored spectacular centuries in the same innings, leading RCB to a record-breaking 144-run victory that remains etched in IPL history. In a notable deviation during IPL 2021, RCB briefly swapped their green kit for a blue jersey as a heartfelt tribute to frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the franchise's adaptability and social consciousness.
CEO Rajesh Menon on the Carbon-Neutral Journey
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon highlighted the extensive journey behind this significant achievement, stating, "Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise represents the culmination of years of dedicated, systematic work. The green jerseys visually reflect this ongoing commitment, and we genuinely hope this initiative inspires our millions of fans and various stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices in their own lives."
Strong On-Field Performance Backs Environmental Messaging
On the cricket field, RCB have effectively backed up their strong environmental messaging with impressive performances throughout IPL 2026. The team has enjoyed an excellent start to the tournament, securing victories in four of their first five matches, with their only defeat coming against Rajasthan Royals. Currently positioned second on the points table, they approach this crucial clash against Delhi Capitals with considerable confidence and momentum.
Delhi Capitals' Mixed Form and Toss Update
In contrast, Delhi Capitals have experienced a mixed run of form so far in the tournament. After beginning their campaign with two consecutive wins, they have subsequently slipped with back-to-back defeats and now find themselves in fifth position on the table, actively searching for greater consistency and stability in their performances.
Toss Update: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Playing XIs and Impact Substitutes
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (w), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal
Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Nitish Rana
