Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the most iconic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), underwent a significant transformation ahead of the season.
The franchise, which has long been synonymous with the city of Bangalore, has now officially adopted the city's vernacular name, Bengaluru, replacing the anglicised version in its team name.
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This historic announcement was made during the franchise's 'RCB UNBOX' event held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday, March 19.
The City we love, the Heritage we embrace, and this is the time for our ಹೊಸ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯ.
PRESENTING TO YOU, ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU, ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಂಡ, ನಿಮ್ಮ RCB!#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBUnbox pic.twitter.com/harurFXclC — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 19, 2024
The decision to embrace the city's official name, Bengaluru, marks a significant shift in the franchise's identity. No longer will it be known as Royal Challengers Bangalore and will henceforth be known as Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
At the 'UNBOX' event, the franchise also released their new kit which is a slight change from combination of black and red that they have been donning since 2016.
In the new kit, navy blue colour has been used instead of the traditional black. It remains to be seen if the change in colour will help them change their fortune this season.
MORE: RCB unveil 'new' jersey ahead of IPL 2024
RCB reveal green kit for IPL 2024 edition
After launching their first-choice kit, on Wednesday, March 20, the Bengaluru-based side revealed their green kit a second variation.
RCB GREEN JERSEY FOR IPL 2024...!!!! [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/tsQJMmemWN
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 20, 2024
MORE: RCB renamed as Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Why do RCB wear green jerseys during IPL?
RCB started the tradition of wearing a green jersey in one particular game during an IPL season in 2011. It is a part of their 'Go Green' initiative which was taken to spread awareness of a cleaner and greener environment.
These jerseys are made of recycled waste collected at the stadium. It has been reported that their season opener generated 9047.6 kg of waste in the stadium as 19,488 water bottles were used. After each match held at a stadium, it is estimated that around 8 tons of waste including dry, food, and recyclable waste are generated.
To manage this waste efficiently, waste segregation practices have been implemented. This involves collecting and sorting the waste into categories like dry, food, and non-recyclable waste, which are then processed to create recycled products such as shirts and other items.
Together with Good Era, they have created a unique sustainability group called the Green Army, which helps keep the stadium premises clean and promotes sustainability practices.
When will RCB wear green jerseys during IPL?
RCB will be seen in green jerseys during their IPL clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday, April 21.
The Bengaluru unit is hoping that the change in colours brings a change in fortune too. They have made a poor start to IPL 2024 and are languishing at the bottom of the table with just one win from seven matches so far.