Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has shared his views on the tragic stampede that resulted in the loss of several innocent lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) trophy celebration in the Garden City. Gambhir addressed the matter during a press conference held today in Mumbai, alongside India’s newly appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of England.
Both the coach and the captain responded to a range of questions posed by the media, including those regarding the stampede incident in Bengaluru.
Gambhir did not hold back in expressing his opinion on the tragedy, speaking candidly and with conviction.
Making a strong statement, he said, “We should never have roadshows. People’s lives are extremely important. Celebrations can happen behind closed doors. Even when I was playing—in 2007—I was never in favour of such events.”
“All I can say is, we need to be responsible. Every life matters. If we’re not in a position to hold a roadshow safely, we shouldn’t do it. At no point should we allow the loss of 11 lives,” he added.
The IPL 2025 champions are currently facing criticism after what was meant to be a joyful celebration turned into a tragedy. Over two lakh fans gathered to witness RCB’s felicitation ceremony at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a seating capacity of only 35,000. The uncontrolled overcrowding led to a chaotic situation that tragically claimed lives and left others injured. What was meant to be a celebration ended in unforeseen and heartbreaking circumstances.
As the IPL season concludes, Team India now shifts focus to the England tour, which begins on 20 June. With Shubman Gill taking over the reins as captain, Rishabh Pant will serve as his deputy.
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