Virat Kohli Breaks Silence On 11 Deaths Due To Stampede At RCB’s IPL 2025 Title Celebration

The IPL 2025 title celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru took a tragic turn on Wednesday when a stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru resulted in the deaths of 11 people. RCB, one of the most popular IPL teams, had just ended their 18-year wait for a championship after winning the final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The team organized massive celebrations in Bengaluru, including an open bus parade to honour their victory. However, the joyful atmosphere quickly turned grim as nearly two lakh fans gathered outside the stadium—far more than expected. The crowd became unmanageable for the police, resulting in chaos, with over 45 people also injured, according to PTI reports.

Virat Kohli, who has been the face of RCB and played a crucial part in its title win, has now reacted on the incident. “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Kohli wrote in Instagram at around 10:45 PM, while reposting a statement by RCB. 

The unfortunate incidents that occurred during public gatherings across Bengaluru this afternoon have deeply anguished us, as revealed through media reports about the team’s anticipated arrival. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us,” the official statement from RCB read.

“RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration.”

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Cricket Icons Mourn Stampede Tragedy During RCB Victory Celebration

India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar also condoled the “tragic” stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated its first IPL title triumph in 18 years after beating Punjab Kings in the final on Tuesday.

Sachin took to X, wished “strength and peace” to all and wrote, “What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.”

India’s decorated spinner Anil Kumble wished a quick recovery to those injured in the stampede and wrote on X, “It’s a Sad day for Cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic !!”

After the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and confirmed, “11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede.”

CM Siddaramaiah said that the government will also provide free treatment to the injured and said, “A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured.”

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