'I was never a believer in road shows': Gautam Gambhir blasts RCB victory celebrations that caused fatal Bengaluru stampede

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir spoke strongly against the victory celebrations held by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their IPL 2025 win. The celebrations led to a tragic stampede in Bengaluru that caused the death of 11 people and injured 33 others.

Gambhir slams RCB

Gambhir, who is the current head coach of the Indian team, said, “I was never a believer that we need to have road shows. I was of the same opinion when I was playing even after winning in 2007. The lives of people are far important. I will continue to say that.”

“In the future, we need to be more aware. Have it in a closed door or inside a stadium. It is very tragic what happened. We are all responsible. I hope nothing like this happens in future,” he added.

Gambhir made these comments during the Indian cricket team’s pre-departure press conference on Thursday. India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill was also present at the media event. The Indian cricket team is set to leave for England for a five-match Test series, starting on 20 June.

Asked if the nature of fandom had changed over the years, Gambhir spoke about being responsible in every aspect of life.

“I can’t say whether the fan base has increased or all that kind of stuff. All I can say is that we need to be responsible. We need to be responsible in every aspect of whether being a franchise or everything (else) because every life matters.” Gambhir also questioned the need to hold a road show when they were simply not prepared.

“If you were not ready to hold a road show, you shouldn’t have done that. (It is) as simple as it can get,” he couldn’t be more blunt.

He said he understands the excitement of fans but what happened in Bengaluru was beyond tragic.

“I know fans do get excited. Everyone gets excited. The fan base gets excited. But nothing compared to what has happened recently. You cannot at any point of time lose 11 people,” the head coach said.

Many fans gathered in huge numbers to celebrate RCB’s first-ever IPL title win in Bengaluru. However, due to a lack of arrangements at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a deadly stampede occurred. RCB later announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

(With agency inputs)