Watch: RCB unveil jersey for IPL 2023, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers inducted into Hall of Fame

Chris Gayle and ABD were inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame as the duo's jerseys with numbers 333 and 17, respectively, were retired as a mark of respect by RCB on Sunday.

Star batter Virat Kohli and skipper Faf du Plessis during the RCB jersey launch. (RCB/Twitter)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) unveiled the team’s new jersey for the IPL 2023 in presence of 20000 plus fans on Sunday at their home ground M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The event, where the new jersey was unboxed, was named ‘RCB Unbox’ and it saw fans thronging the venue. It was attended by star batter Virat Kohli, captain Faf du Plessis, former RCB giants Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.

“I am quite excited to welcome back fans to the stadium after 3 years. It was such an exhilarating experience to practice in front of some amazing fans as part of the RCB Unbox. It was also thrilling to welcome back AB and Chris for their special day, and it was awesome to feel the energy,” said RCB captain Faf du Plessis.

Gayle and ABD were inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame and were presented with mementoes during the ceremony. Gayle and de Villiers’s jerseys with numbers 333 and 17, respectively, were retired as a mark of respect by RCB on Sunday. Singers Sonu Nigam and Jason Derulo performed later during the event.

Top moments of RCB Unbox

Lap of Honour, Hall of Fame, Retiring jerseys of AB and Chris, Unveiling the jersey for #IPL2023, practising in front of 20000+ fans, Music Performances and more… #RCBUnbox presented by Walkers and Co. in front of our home crowd was a massive hit! pic.twitter.com/WzvelTzlEe

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 27, 2023

Gayle, who played 84 games for the team with a staggering 3,163 runs at an average of just under 44 and a strike rate of 152.7, said, “First of all, a big thanks to RCB for inducting me into the Hall Of Fame. I have so many fun memories of playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the RCB. It feels like a homecoming for me and it was a delight for me to reconnect with the team, the players and above all the fans. The RCB, RCB chant will always stay with me.”

A night to remember for all RCB fans! 🫶

From game changers to history makers, we paid tribute to our Hall of Famers🎖️in style during #RCBUnbox presented by Walkers and Co! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 | @ABdeVilliers17 @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/3nIRboFtdg

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2023

While AB de Villiers, who featured in 144 games for RCB with close to 5,000 runs and a strike rate of 158.6, also recalled his RCB memories and said, “It is a massively touching gesture by RCB to induct me into the Hall Of Fame and it has a very special place in my heart. I have missed the atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and it was enthralling for me to relieve all those experiences once more during the RCB Unbox.”

The team also held a team practice session at their home venue where they will be playing for the first time in three years. RCB will begin their IPL 2023 campaign at home on April 2.

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