Virat Kohli was devastated upon learning about the tragic incident outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium that unfolded during RCB’s victory celebrations.
Virat Kohli Expresses Grief After Stampede Mars RCB Victory Celebrations
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Virat Kohli said he was “at a loss for words” after a tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and left 33 injured during the IPL victory celebrations on Wednesday. What was meant to be a joyous occasion for RCB fans quickly turned into chaos, with police unable to control the overwhelming crowd.
Kohli shared RCB’s official statement on social media, adding in the caption that he was “absolutely gutted.”
Due to the tragedy, the celebrations were scaled down. Only captain Rajat Patidar and Kohli addressed the fans and briefly showcased the trophy to the packed stadium.
“At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Kohli wrote on Instagram.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli expressed deep sorrow after a devastating stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and injured 33 during the franchise’s IPL victory celebrations on Wednesday. What began as a day of triumph for RCB fans turned tragic as crowd control failed, leading to chaos outside the stadium.
Kohli shared RCB’s official statement on social media and wrote, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.” His wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, also posted the statement on her Instagram, adding heartbreak emojis to express her grief.
RCB legend AB de Villiers joined in mourning the victims, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today.”
The celebrations were cut short in light of the tragedy. Only captain Rajat Patidar and Kohli addressed the crowd briefly before presenting the trophy to fans inside the stadium.
All you need to know about RCB celebrations
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 title celebrations took a heartbreaking turn on Wednesday after a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru led to the deaths of over 10 people and left several others injured. What began as a day of jubilation quickly descended into chaos as news of the incident broke just before the team’s arrival at the venue.
The day had started with the RCB squad visiting Vidhana Soudha, where Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated the newly crowned champions. However, tragedy struck before the players reached Chinnaswamy Stadium, with a massive crowd outside spiraling out of control.
Despite the grim news filtering in, the celebrations inside the packed stadium proceeded briefly. RCB captain Rajat Patidar and senior batter Virat Kohli delivered short speeches before the entire team presented the IPL trophy to their cheering fans.
Virat Kohli, who had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign with over 600 runs, expressed his heartbreak on Instagram, writing, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.” His wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, also shared the team’s official statement, accompanied by heartbreak emojis. Former RCB legend AB de Villiers posted on X, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today.”
In an official statement released hours later, RCB said:
“We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. 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. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe.”
RCB had clinched their maiden IPL title on Tuesday by defeating Punjab Kings in the final held in Ahmedabad.