After Virat Kohli recently broke silence on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampeded that happened during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) celebrations after they won the Indian Premier League title in June, players Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya also offered condolences for the 11 lives lost on that day.
“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. 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,” Jitesh said in a message posted by the RCB X profile.
“RCB fans, your love gave us strength, your belief lifted us in every moment. You are the heartbeat of this team. 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,” Pandya said as per the RCB handle.
Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya’s heartfelt messages to our 12th Man Army, shares strength and unconditional support. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/MQWGAh0qBY
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 5, 2025
Kohli’s statement
Earlier this week, RCB’s talisman Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar had also opened up about the tragedy.
“Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th,” Kohli said in the note. “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,” Kohli had said, according to a RCB release.
“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,” he said. “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,” Patidar said as per an RTCB statement.
Last week, RCB had said that the silence that they maintained since the incident was not “absence” but “grief”. “This space was once filled with energy, memories, and moments that you enjoyed the most.. But June 4th changed everything. That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space,” their post on X(Formerly known as Twitter) read.
RCB have since announced that they will establish a memorial in the city to honour the 11 fans who lost their lives. The exact location of the memorial is yet to be disclosed. According to the franchise, it will serve as a lasting tribute to the fans’ loyalty.
