RCB Dedicates IPL Victory to Stampede Victims
RCB's Heartfelt Tribute
The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajat Patidar, has dedicated the team's second IPL title to the victims of a tragic stampede. The joy of winning their first IPL title was overshadowed by the loss of 11 lives during the incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium, which turned a moment of celebration into one of sorrow. Throughout IPL 2026, RCB made significant efforts to honor those who lost their lives. Before their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the team held a minute of silence and wore black armbands. Additionally, RCB trained in jerseys featuring the number 11 to pay tribute to the deceased. The franchise also decided to keep 11 seats empty at Chinnaswamy Stadium for the entire season as a sign of respect. During the title defense at Narendra Modi Stadium, Patidar expressed his condolences, stating, "We dedicate this trophy to our fans, actually not fans, family members, who passed away in the tragedy last year," during the post-match press conference.
Virat Kohli Celebrates RCB's Loyal Supporters
Virat Kohli Lauds RCB Fans
RCB boasts one of the most dedicated fanbases in the IPL. Despite not winning a trophy for 18 years, the supporters remained steadfast. The final match against Gujarat Titans took place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, yet RCB fans showed up in large numbers to cheer for their team. After the victory, both Virat Kohli and Patidar acknowledged the unwavering support of the franchise's fans. Kohli remarked, "I always say that we don't have seven home games. We probably have 14. Everywhere we go, we have fans cheering for us and getting behind the team. GT may have been the home side tonight, but it felt like 90 percent of the crowd were RCB supporters." He emphasized the importance of their support, stating, "I'm really happy that they were able to celebrate with us tonight and witness us lifting the trophy." Patidar also dedicated the victory to the loyal fans who have supported the franchise through thick and thin, saying, "This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu." RCB has now joined the ranks of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the third team to win consecutive IPL titles. The team, led by Patidar, performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final, where they restricted GT to 155-8 and achieved their target in just 18 overs, thanks to Kohli's impressive 75 runs.