IPL: 5 times teams donned a special jersey to promote a cause in the league's history

Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has been a massive platform for cricketers across the world to show their skills and talent. Over the years, fans have been treated to some exhilarating cricket while plenty of players have used the platform to gain higher honours. As big as the platform, it has also been used for some special causes. One of how this has been done is by teams wearing special jerseys. 

Here let us take a look at 5 occasions on which teams donned special kits to promote a cause in the cash-rich IPL:

5. RCB Blue Jersey- 2021

During the 2021 season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru donned a special blue jersey against the Kolkata Knight Riders in a bid to acknowledge the efforts of the Covid Warriors who had been doing a tremendous job during the Covid-19 pandemic. RCB also decided to donate a certain sum of money for every six that they would hit in that game. Unfortunately, though, RCB couldn’t hit a single six during the game and they were in fact, bowled out for just 92.

4. RCB Green Jersey (Every year)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made supporting the environment a part of their brand identity. Every year, they dedicate a match to promoting environmental awareness, and their players take the field wearing a special green jersey. This initiative, called ‘Go Green,’ focuses on various environmental issues like tree plantation drives. The green jersey has become a symbol of RCB's commitment to a greener future, and it is one of the most anticipated games in the IPL. This year, in the match against KKR, RCB donned their green jersey to support the cause of water preservation in Karnataka. They also added to the initiative to save the lakes in Bengaluru.

3. Gujarat Titans Lavender Jersey- 2023

The 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, joined the fight against cancer last season by donning a lavender-coloured jersey in a game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. This initiative aimed at raising awareness against the deadly disease and it is fair to say that it resonated well with fans.

2. Mumbai Indians WPL Jersey- 2023

During last year’s IPL, the Mumbai Indians’ men’s side donned the franchise’s Women’s Premier League jersey to motivate girls to take up cricket and other forms of sport. It was a huge occasion as thousands of girls were allowed to witness the game live. MI’s WPL-winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur was also present at the venue. Fans lauded the franchise for its commitment to promoting the women’s game.

1. Delhi Daredevils Lavender Jersey- 2015 

Back in 2015, the Delhi Daredevils which is now known as Delhi Capitals wore a unique lavender jersey for a match against the then Kings XI Punjab. The lavender colour symbolized the fight against cancer and a huge part of that initiative was Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer, who had beaten the disease himself. It was a great occasion as the IPL’s massive platform surely helped the cause become a successful one.