Gautam Gambhir’s Strong Stand on Bengaluru Stampede: ‘Cannot Lose 11 Lives’ During RCB Celebrations
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a tragic stampede in Bengaluru during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebrations has cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of joy. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media with a powerful and emotional statement, reflecting on the loss of 11 precious lives and numerous injuries during the incident. Speaking in Mumbai alongside newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, Gambhir expressed his deep concern over the recurring dangers of public roadshows.
‘I was never a believer in road shows. I made the same statement even after our victory in 2007. We should avoid roadshows at all costs. Perhaps in the future, we can organize celebrations in controlled environments like stadiums,’ Gambhir stated with conviction. He added, ‘My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones. We must act responsibly. Every life matters, and we cannot lose 11 people at any point in time over something avoidable.’
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the safety protocols surrounding public celebrations in India, especially during high-profile events like IPL victories. Gambhir’s words echo a long-standing concern in the cricketing fraternity, with past events similarly highlighting the risks of uncontrolled crowd gatherings. Official reports suggest that the stampede occurred due to inadequate crowd management and poor planning by local authorities during RCB’s open-top bus parade through the city center, a tradition loved by fans but fraught with logistical challenges.
Shifting focus to cricketing matters, Gambhir and Gill were in Mumbai to announce the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, marking the beginning of India’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The series, scheduled from June 20 to August 4, 2025, will be played at iconic venues including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. This tour is not just another overseas assignment; it signifies the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who takes over the Test captaincy from stalwarts like Rohit Sharma.
Gill, at just 25 years old, becomes one of the youngest Test captains in Indian cricket history. Known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, he inherits a talented squad including the likes of Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Jasprit Bumrah, and emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI’s decision to appoint Gill reflects a bold move towards youth, with an eye on building a team for the future while maintaining a strong competitive edge. England’s squad, led by Ben Stokes, features a mix of experience and youth with players like Joe Root, Harry Brook, and rising talents like Jacob Bethell.
As India prepares to board the flight to England, the weight of expectations looms large. The series promises high-octane cricket, with both teams vying for crucial WTC points. The schedule is as follows: 1st Test (June 20-24, Headingley, Leeds), 2nd Test (July 2-6, Edgbaston, Birmingham), 3rd Test (July 10-14, Lord’s, London), 4th Test (July 23-27, Old Trafford, Manchester), and 5th Test (July 31-August 4, The Oval, London). Each venue carries its own legacy, with Lord’s often dubbed the ‘Home of Cricket’ and The Oval historically a happy hunting ground for Indian pace bowlers like Bumrah.
Yet, amidst the anticipation of this blockbuster series, Gambhir’s poignant words on the Bengaluru tragedy linger. His call for responsible celebration serves as a reminder that beyond the boundaries of cricket, the safety of fans— the heartbeat of the sport—must always remain paramount. As Indian cricket embarks on a new chapter, it does so with a heavy heart, mourning the lives lost and hoping for a future where joy doesn’t come at such a devastating cost.