'Absolutely gutted': Virat Kohli reacts to tragic Bengaluru stampede, RCB mourns loss of lives

IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team's player Virat Kohli and others during a felicitation ceremony at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru

After the tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday that claimed 11 lives, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) , the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener and right-hand batter Virat Kohli expressed his grief in his first reaction, saying he was "at a loss for words" and "absolutely gutted."

Virat Kohli shared the post of the RCB in which the franchise expressed "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the deceased. "At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted," Virat Kohli wrote in his post on Instagram.

Former South Africa captain and ex-RCB player, AB De Villiers, also reacted to the Bengaluru stampede.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy Stadium today," AB de Villiers posted on Instagram.

The incident occurred on Wednesday during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL winning celebrations near the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium when thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite player. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon.

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A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families," RCB said in a statement.

"Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe," the statement added.

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that 11 people died in the incident while 33 others were injured. CM Siddaramaiah said that the government will also provide free treatment to the injured.

"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 deep sorrow over the incident, CM 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."

RCB finally ended an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the finals of IPL 2025, held on Tuesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.