RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Dedicates IPL Victory to Fans Lost in Tragedy

In a heartfelt moment, RCB captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the team's IPL victory to the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede last year. Reflecting on the team's performance, he emphasized their dominance throughout the season. This year, RCB has chosen not to hold a victory parade in Bengaluru, a decision influenced by last year's tragedy and the upcoming swearing-in of D.K. Shivakumar as Chief Minister. Patidar's emotional tribute highlights the bond between the team and its supporters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 10:01 IST

Emotional Dedication to Fans

Ahmedabad: Rajat Patidar, the captain of RCB, expressed deep emotions after guiding his team to triumph in the 19th IPL season. He dedicated the championship trophy to the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede last year. This unfortunate event occurred on June 4, the day following RCB's first-ever trophy win, during celebrations near Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following RCB's second consecutive IPL victory, Patidar reflected on the sorrow stemming from last year's incident.

Patidar's Heartfelt Remarks

During a press conference after the match on Sunday, Patidar stated, 'It is truly heartbreaking to lose fans during a celebration. They were more than just fans; they were family. I will forever dedicate this trophy to them. Words cannot capture the pain of that day,' he expressed.

Honoring the Fallen Fans

To pay tribute to the deceased fans, 11 seats were intentionally left vacant at Chinnaswamy Stadium at the beginning of this IPL season. Additionally, RCB players donned jerseys featuring the number 11 during their practice sessions.

Rajat Patidar on Team Dominance

'We didn't just play, we dominated': Rajat

RCB's captain, Rajat Patidar, emphasized that this year, the team did not merely participate; they excelled. In a virtual media interview on Monday, he remarked, 'From the outset, we understood that if we performed well, we could secure the cup for the second time. Our success was a result of our collective effort. This time, we didn't just play; we dominated.'

Patidar also acknowledged the contributions of all team members, the support he received from Virat Kohli regarding his captaincy, and praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi's outstanding performance. Head coach Andy Flower and the team's Director, Mo Bobat, were also part of the discussion.

No Victory Parade in Bengaluru

No RCB celebration in Bengaluru this time!

Ahmedabad: The RCB franchise has opted not to organize a victory parade in Bengaluru this year. This decision follows the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives during last year's celebrations.

The previous year's victory celebration, hastily arranged at Vidhana Soudha steps and Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in a stampede that sparked public outrage and led to legal repercussions for the franchise. To prevent a recurrence of such an incident, RCB has made this decision. An RCB source stated, 'A celebration in Bengaluru is unlikely. We have certain guidelines to adhere to.'

Timing Conflicts with Political Events

DK Shivakumar's swearing-in also a reason:

Another factor influencing this decision is the swearing-in ceremony of D.K. Shivakumar as Chief Minister in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The event is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan, which is in close proximity to Chinnaswamy Stadium. If RCB were to hold a victory parade simultaneously, it would pose significant challenges for police in managing traffic and crowds. This is believed to be another reason for RCB's decision against the parade.