Patidar dedicates RCB’s IPL 2026 triumph to last year’s stampede victims

Rajat Patidar dedicated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s second IPL title to the fans who lost their lives during the team’s victory celebrations outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last year, ensuring that a night of jubilation also carried a note of remembrance.

As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky and thousands of RCB supporters celebrated another championship, the captain paused to reflect on the tragedy that had cast a shadow over the franchise’s maiden title triumph. Standing on the podium with the trophy in hand, Patidar clarified the victory belonged as much to those who were no longer around to witness it.

“We dedicate this trophy to our fans, actually not fans but family members who passed away in the tragedy. I always wanted this trophy to dedicate it to them. I don’t have words to express that feeling,” Patidar said after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to secure back-to-back IPL crowns.

Last year, 11 people died, and several others were injured in a stampede after thousands gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate RCB’s long-awaited maiden IPL title. What was meant to be a historic homecoming quickly turned into one of the darkest days in the tournament’s history, prompting questions over crowd management and accountability.

While BCCI officials maintained at the time that they were unaware of the plans for the victory celebrations, the incident led to discussions within the Board over framing clearer protocols for title parades and public felicitation events. Despite the scrutiny and subsequent investigations, the franchise did not face any sanctions.

For many within the RCB camp, Sunday’s triumph represented not just another title but also an opportunity to honour those whose lives were lost during the celebrations that followed the first. 

Published on Jun 01, 2026