At a loss for words: Virat Kohli expresses sorrow over Bengaluru stampede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru' victory celebrations took a tragic turn when a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed the lives of 11 people and injured 33 others on Wednesday. RCB star Virat Kohli and the franchise expressed their sorrow following the incident, while celebrations continued inside the stadium.

The event inside the stadium was cut short, with only captain Rajat Patidar and Kohli delivering speeches and displaying the trophy to a jam-packed crowd.

"At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted," Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram, sharing RCB's official statement about the incident.

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Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife and Bollywood actor, also shared RCB's official statement, as she expressed her heartbreak.

The police and authorities were unable to control the massive crowd that had gathered outside the stadium, turning what should have been a joyous occasion for RCB fans into a tragedy.

It is understood that a huge influx of supporters outside the stadium and a lack of control resulted in the tragic incident.

Former RCB player AB de Villiers expressed his concern on social media platform X, writing, "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today." The South African batter was in attendance for the final and also participated in the trophy lift.


The incident occurred while celebrations were ongoing inside RCB's home ground, with the team and fans unaware of the tragedy unfolding outside the stadium grounds.

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will provide free treatment to the injured and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased.

"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," the CM said.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident."