The high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, May 3, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is making waves—not just for cricketing reasons, but due to controversial fan antics. With both sides boasting massive fanbases, emotions are running high as the two IPL giants prepare for a fierce showdown.
Ahead of the big match, a few visuals have taken social media by storm. Images and videos show a section of RCB fans distributing a “special edition” CSK jersey designed specifically to troll the five-time champions. The jersey, colored in black and white, stands in stark contrast to CSK’s traditional yellow. But what’s truly controversial is the design detail—it carries the years 2016–17, referencing the seasons when CSK were suspended from the IPL due to a spot-fixing and betting scandal.
The so-called “Jail Jersey” is being positioned as a taunt by RCB fans, alluding to CSK’s absence from the tournament during that period. While the authenticity of the photos and the organized sale of these jerseys hasn’t been independently verified, they have gained viral traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
A Heated Rivalry Fueled by Fan Wars
The RCB-CSK rivalry has been one of the most intense in IPL history. But it isn’t just the players who keep the rivalry alive—the fans play an equally heated role. The current “Jail Jersey” incident is being seen as RCB fans’ retaliation for what happened at Chepauk earlier this season.
During that match, CSK fans were seen holding red-colored lollipops as a mocking gesture toward RCB supporters. The phrase “Ee Sala Cup Lollipopu”—a sarcastic twist on the famous RCB war cry “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours)—trended widely, adding fuel to the banter fire.
That move by CSK fans turned into a meme-fest online, and now, with the sale of the ‘Jail Jerseys’, RCB fans have hit back in their own cheeky way.
Crossing the Line?
While friendly banter is part of the game, many online users are debating whether such trolling is going too far. The “Jail Jersey” dig has raised questions about the limits of rivalry and fan behavior, with some calling it “creative banter” while others label it “disgraceful and disrespectful.”
As tensions rise before the big game, all eyes will be on Chinnaswamy—not just for cricket, but also for how far the rivalry will go off the field.
