You Cannot Lose 11 People: Gautam Gambhir Slams Victory Parade in Bengaluru After RCB Wins IPL 2025

The winners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The tragic loss of lives during the victory parade overshadowed the city’s celebrations, which began just hours after the team lifted the trophy in Ahmedabad. During the pre-tournament press conference of the Tendulkar-Anderson series, India head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly criticised the victory parade held in the Garden City.

Gautam Gambhir on RCB victory parade in Bengaluru

The emotions ran high after the sight of Virat Kohli in tears following the match. For the fans in Bengaluru, it was a chance to be in the presence of the country’s demigod. However, the city was unprepared for the overwhelming crowds, with attendance on the streets about 10 times what was expected.

Gambhir rightly pointed out that if local arrangements are inadequate and the city is not equipped to handle such processions, they should be avoided altogether.

He voiced, “I’m always a believer of not having road shows. You cannot lose 11 people. If you weren’t ready to hold the road show, you shouldn’t have gone ahead. We can be more responsible for such things.”

RCB recently announced financial aid of INR 10 lakh to each of the 11 affected families. Additionally, the stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the franchise’s home ground, left many people injured. An initiative called ‘RCB Cares’ is also in the works to help the people who have succumbed to injuries.

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Tendulkar-Anderson Test Series

India will begin their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle with five Tests in England under the new leadership of Shubman Gill. After the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the longest format of the sport, Gill has new responsibilities on his shoulders. Apart from captaincy, a burning question for Gill is who’d take Kohli’s spot at No.4. Another news from the pace battery is that Jasprit Bumrah may not be available for all matches of the series.

While addressing these concerns, Gill and Gambhir addressed the media ahead of the Tendulkar-Anderson series.

The first of the five Tests will begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

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