The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is filled with different shades of emerald this Saturday. In the 26th match IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) they host Delhi Capitals (DC) afternoon in a high-stakes encounter. While the cricketing world expected the usual Red and Gold, the home team swapped their traditional colors for a striking green kit, which has become a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity beyond the boundary ropes.
Why did Royal Challengers Bengaluru change their traditional form against DC?
The decision to ditch the red jersey for today’s clash is part of the ‘Go Green Initiative’, a tradition that RCB has proudly maintained since 2011. These particular forms are not just fashion; they are made from 100% recycled waste and serve as a tangible symbol of the team’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains the only carbon neutral T20 franchise in the world.
The initiative aims to raise global awareness of climate change and environmental protection. according to Rajesh MenonRCB’s CEO, achieving carbon-neutral status is the result of more than a decade of structured work focused on measurement and accountability. “The green jerseys reflect this commitment and we hope this initiative will inspire our fans to adopt more responsible practices.Menon said.
Apart from the kit, RCB’s green mission also extends to stadium operations. The franchise conducts comprehensive audits of fan travel patterns and carbon emissions per spectator. To combat this, match tickets now double as Bengaluru Metro passes, encouraging fans to leave their cars behind. At the stadium level, the team uses solar-powered lighting and serious waste separation systems. Today’s match is not just a game; it is the platform for a carbon-positive future RCB is actively building.
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Playing XI and effective substitutes of both teams
Delhi Capitals captain during the shootout Akhar Patel He opted to bowl first, citing Chinnaswamy’s reputation as a prime chase location. RCB captain Rajat Patidar expressed his satisfaction with the result, noting that the team is eager to set goals while wearing their sustainability-themed colors.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (XI Game): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood.
Effect Substitutes: Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal.
Delhi Capitals (Game 11): 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.
Effect Substitutes: Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Nitish Rana.
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