'I Have No Words': Rajat Patidar Dedicates RCB's IPL Trophy To Chinnaswamy Stampede Victims

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar delivered an emotional message after guiding his side to a second IPL title, dedicating the trophy to the 11 fans who lost their lives in the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium last year.

Speaking at the post-match press conference in Ahmedabad after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final, Patidar said the tragedy remains close to the team's heart.

"Obviously, you feel bad. You lost your fans after winning the game. Not just the fans, they are the family members," Patidar said.

The skipper admitted that words were not enough to express the emotions associated with the incident.

"I always want to dedicate this trophy to them. That's it. I don't have words to express that feeling," he added.

The stampede occurred during the celebrations that followed RCB's maiden IPL title triumph in June last year. The incident claimed 11 lives and led to widespread criticism over crowd management and safety arrangements.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, M Chinnaswamy Stadium was unable to host top-flight cricket for nearly eight months. Following several rounds of inspections, discussions and renovation works, authorities finally cleared the venue for the return of cricket.

The Karnataka government and the BCCI later permitted the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and RCB to host five matches at the iconic Bengaluru venue.

RCB also paid tribute to the victims throughout the season. Players wore jersey No. 11 on match days, while the franchise and KSCA dedicated 11 permanent seats at the stadium in memory of those who lost their lives.

While RCB celebrated another historic IPL triumph on Sunday, Patidar ensured that the memories of the departed fans remained an important part of the occasion.

For the Bengaluru skipper, the trophy was not just about sporting success but also a tribute to the supporters who were no longer there to witness it.