Virat Kohli finally opens up on Bengaluru stampede during RCB celebrations

Dubai: Virat Kohli was on cloud nine on June 3 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally emerged triumphant in the Indian Premier League after 18 years of struggle.

The celebrations went crazy and people filled the streets in the city. But the celebrations soon turned into tragedy when RCB decided to host an event at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

With lack of preparations, the cops failed to control the crowd trying to enter the stadium and that led to a stampede tragically killing 11 fans and injured another 75 on June 4. The fans had gathered to celebrate the much-awaited win of the cricket team.

Nearly three months after the tragedy, Kohli finally opened up about the tragedy. "Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history - turned into something tragic. I've been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost... and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility", said the cricketer in a post on social media.

Kohli's statement comes along with RCB announcing Rs2.5 million compensation to the families of the victim. RCB took to their social media handles and official website three months after the incident as they started a campaign called 'RCB Cares'.

Talking about the new initiative, the franchise said, "[it is] a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honouring their memory. Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve".

The last time the RCB franchise addressed the tragedy outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium was right after the incident when they released an official statement.

The statement said, "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".

RCB cut their celebratory programmes short in light of the tragic events. Recently, the franchise also announced that they will establish a memorial in Bengaluru to honour the fans who lost their lives. They have also taken steps to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

Dubai: Virat Kohli was on cloud nine on June 3 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the Indian Premier League trophy after 18 long years of waiting. Jubilant celebrations erupted across the city, with fans flooding the streets to rejoice in their team’s historic victory.

However, the euphoria quickly turned into tragedy the very next day. On June 4, during a celebratory event hosted at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, poor crowd management led to a stampede as thousands of supporters tried to enter the venue. The incident claimed 11 lives and left 75 others injured, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of unbridled joy.

Nearly three months later, Kohli has finally spoken about the heartbreaking turn of events. “Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history turned into something tragic,” the cricketer said in an emotional statement.

His remarks came as RCB announced a compensation of ₹2.5 million for the families of the victims, alongside the launch of a new campaign titled ‘RCB Cares’. The franchise, through its social media platforms and official website, described the initiative as “a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honouring their memory. Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve.”

Kohli also shared his personal grief and solidarity with the affected families. “I have been thinking and praying for those fans who tragically lost their lives, and for those injured in what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.”

RCB’s last public statement on the tragedy was released immediately after the incident. At the time, the franchise expressed its condolences, cut short its celebrations, and assured cooperation with local authorities. The statement 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.”

In addition to the compensation, RCB has now pledged to build a memorial in Bengaluru to honour the fans who lost their lives, while also committing to stronger safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.