After RCB, Virat Kohli breaks silence on Bengaluru stampede: Your loss is our story

Days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru unveiled a six-point manifesto for meaningful action in the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede during their IPL 2025 victory celebrations, Virat Kohli reflected on the tragedy, admitting that nothing had prepared him for the heartbreak of 4 June.

RCB had broken their silence on social media two months after the incident, which claimed the lives of 11 people and left more than 40 injured. What had been planned as a city-wide celebration of the franchise's maiden IPL triumph turned tragic when a stampede broke out near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands of fans had poured onto the streets to welcome RCB after their historic win, but mismanagement of the event led to devastating loss of life.

"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," Virat Kohli said in a statement shared by the franchise.

"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."