Jitesh, Krunal post heartfelt statements after RCB, Kohli break silence on Chinnaswamy Stampede: 'We will never be able to move on'

It’s been more than three months since Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden Indian Premier League title was overshadowed by a tragic stampede at their home ground of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium . As many as 11 people had died and several more were left injured in the stampede that occurred outside RCB’s home ground, where Virat Kohli and other members of the squad were being felicitated, a day after their thrilling victory over Punjab Kings in the final of the 18th season in Ahmedabad.

The team’s official social media handles had remained silent all this time until last week, when they broke their silence by posting their first statement since the tragic incident , in which they promised support for families of the stampede victims via the RCB Cares initiative.

That was followed shortly after by Kohli making his first official statement 91 days after the Chinnaswamy Stampede – which had resulted in the arrest of a senior RCB official in Bengaluru and the resignations of senior Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials, with the venue also being removed from the list of venues for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup.

“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. 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 batting superstar and former RCB captain was quoted as saying in a note released on Wednesday.

Captain Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their maiden title in his maiden season in charge, echoed similar sentiments.

“Every time I walk out for RCB, it’s with passion, and that passion comes from you. From your love, your belief, and your unwavering support. You’ve always stood by us. And from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that we stand with you too. You’ve all been in my thoughts and prayers. With all of us holding on to each other, we’ll find our strength again,” read a statement from the Royal Challengers skipper.

Jitesh, Krunal join other members of RCB family in expressing sorrow

And on Friday, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and all-rounder Krunal Pandya – both of whom made important contributions in RCB’s title-winning season – also opened up on the incident that sent shockwaves across the cricketing circles, particularly in India.

“As athletes, we are trained to move on from wins and losses and focus on the next. But, we will never be able to move on from June 4th, the day some of our own suffered,” read a statement from Jitesh. “Our care for each other goes beyond the cricket field, and we will continue to stay united with the fans and families affected. They will forever be in our hearts.”

“RCB fans, your love gave us strength, your belief lifted us in every moment. You are the heartbeat of this team,” said spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal.

“That a night of celebration turned into sorrow for some of you breaks our hearts. To every family grieving, know that we carry you in our thoughts and in our spirit. We play for you. We stand with you. You’ll be part of this family – today, and always,” he added.

The Chinnaswamy, meanwhile, will be hosting its first match since the stampede in the near future after being selected as one of the venues for KSCA’s K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy. The pre-season red-ball tournament will feature 16 teams from various parts of the country including Mumbai and will be played behind closed doors.