Virat Kohli Breaks Silence: A Heartbroken Reflection on the June 4 Bengaluru Stampede
IIE DIGITAL DESK : 3 September 2025, cricket stalwart Virat Kohli issued his first public reaction to the tragic stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s celebration following their long-awaited IPL victory. In a poignant statement released by the franchise, Kohli voiced his anguish, saying, “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,” capturing the depth of sorrow that continues to haunt the cricket community.
The tragedy occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where fans gathering to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title inadvertently created a dangerous crowd surge that left 11 people dead and dozens injured. Kohli’s words conveyed empathy and an emotional burden he had carried in the months since, as he revealed, “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.”
The RCB franchise had launched the ‘RCB Cares’ initiative after a period of silence, pledging ₹25 lakh to each victim’s family. The program aims to channel collective grief into actionable empathy, though it has drawn mixed responses—some commending the effort, while others, including noted public figures, labeling it a superficial gesture lacking accountability.
Kohli’s statement marks a powerful moment of leadership and remorse. It encapsulates not just grief, but a promise of forward-looking healing: “Your loss is part of our story now.” His voice—long associated with RCB’s highs and heartbreaks—now carries the weight of a tragic turning point in the team’s legacy.
For the RCB community—players, fans, and city alike—the message is clear: the shadow of June 4 cannot be erased, but it must be acknowledged with sincerity, compassion, and change.
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