It is always exciting for the fans to spot the green color amidst the dominating reds. Each year during IPL, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) plays wearing the unique green-colored jersey. However, beyond the stylish look, there is more significance to it. Unfortunately, the outcome has not been very encouraging despite its good intentions. Over the years, wearing the green jersey has become an interesting topic for discussion – both due to its intention to promote something and its poor record of victories.
The practice was initiated in 2011 and became an annual activity in the league. Unlike other teams that play in the color of their identity, RCB consciously opts for change by wearing green once every season. Nevertheless, statistical data reveals that victory in the match is uncommon, losses common, and there is no consistency, making it one of the IPL’s most curious trends.
Why do RCB wear the green jersey?
The green uniform of RCB is an aspect of their “Go Green” campaign. The purpose behind this is quite straightforward, that is, creating awareness among people towards the environment.
The jersey of the team is designed in keeping with this objective, and has been created with recycled material. In essence, the jersey symbolizes Bengaluru as a city of gardens. Even giving out plants before every toss game emphasizes the same point, which makes it increasingly significant for reasons other than cricket. Over time, this match has become more about impact beyond cricket.
RCB’s overall record in green jersey
However, the performance has been poor despite the compelling statement made by the team. RCB have so far played 15 matches in their green jerseys. They have won five, lost nine, and one match had no result.
The highest score was in 2016 when they won by 144 runs. The lowest occurred in 2021 when they scored 92. It is worth noting that teams batting second have performed well in these matches. The pattern shows inconsistency rather than a clear trend.
Match-by-match record in green jersey
| Season | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 2011 | Sunday, May 8, 2011 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | RCB won by 9 wickets |
| 2012 | Monday, May 14, 2012 | Mumbai Indians | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | MI won by 5 wickets |
| 2013 | Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | Punjab Kings | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | PBKS won by 7 wickets |
| 2014 | Saturday, May 24, 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | CSK won by 8 wickets |
| 2015 | Sunday, May 17, 2015 | Delhi Capitals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | No Result |
| 2016 | Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Gujarat Lions | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | RCB won by 144 runs |
| 2017 | Wednesday, May 17, 2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | KKR won by 6 wickets |
| 2018 | Sunday, April 15, 2018 | Rajasthan Royals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | RR won by 19 runs |
| 2019 | Sunday, April 7, 2019 | Delhi Capitals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | DC won by 4 wickets |
| 2020 | Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | CSK won by 8 wickets |
| 2021 | Monday, Sep 20, 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | KKR won by 9 wickets |
| 2022 | Sunday, May 8, 2022 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | RCB won by 67 runs |
| 2023 | Sunday, April 23, 2023 | Rajasthan Royals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | RCB won by 7 runs |
| 2024 | Sunday, April 21, 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 1 run |
| 2025 | Sunday, April 13, 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RCB won by 9 wickets |