Royal Challengers Bangalore unveil new IPL 2016 jersey

With a gruelling World T20 ending last week, preparations are in full-swing for the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League, as players from all over the world have gathered in India for the pre-tournament promotions. Royal Challengers Bangalore set the juggernaut rolling with the unveiling of their new team jerseys, becoming the first IPL team to feature two separate 'Home' and 'Away' kits. The jersey is a mix of red and black, with alternate highlighting of each color on the home and away kits.

At an event organised in Bangalore, the team unveiled the new look in front of the Bold Army, a team comprising of the most ardent of RCB fans, selected by a gruelling process.

The first round was a questionnaire that tested the fans' knowledge of the history of the franchise across eight years. The next round was the 'Selfie' round, where the fans roamed the streets of the city and captured selfies in different locations and settings.

The third round required the contestants to make posters for the team using the RCB logo and team colors. The final round was a stress-interview, where the contestants were gauged on their love and support for the team using a stress-meter.

After an intense competition, five finalists were chosen to unveil the jersey along with the team members themselves.

After a look at the jersey's transition over the years, the team unveiled the new look as the stars assembled on the stage wearing the new kits. Virat Kohli led one segment of the squad, wearing the 'Home' kit, highlighted by the prominence of red on the jersey.

Chris Gayle led the rest of the roster on the stage wearing the 'Away' kit, with black being the chief color. The jersey has been created by designer Michael Foley, and will be manufactured and retailed by ZEVEN, the official kit partner of the RCB. The kit features Zeven's temperature management 'Atmocool' fabric.

Along with the jersey, the new RCB #PlayBold anthem, composed by Salim Merchant, was presented to the fans. According to RCB, the song incorporates the 'never-say-die' spirit of the team.

Amrit Thomas, the RCB chairman, described the significance of the primary colors of the jersey, with black signifying sophistication and power, and red denoting passion and energy. The RCB captain, Virat Kohli, addressed the fans after the unveiling and hoped that the new colors will provide the necessary luck to the team in their pursuit of silverware for the first time ever.

The event ended with a performance from the Bangalore-based band called Best-Kept Secret. The event was live-streamed on the Royal Challengers Facebook page for fans all over the world to see.