Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the franchise’s second successive IPL title to the 11 fans who lost their lives in last year’s stampede during celebrations of the team’s maiden championship win.
RCB defended their crown in style on Sunday, beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli led the chase with an unbeaten 75 as Bengaluru completed a successful pursuit of 156 to secure back-to-back titles.
Speaking after the victory, Patidar remembered the supporters who died in the tragedy that unfolded in Bengaluru a day after RCB’s historic triumph in 2025.
“We dedicate this trophy to our fans, actually not fans, family members, who passed away in the tragedy last year,” Patidar said in the post-match press conference.
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The tribute was in keeping with the franchise’s efforts throughout the season to honour the victims. Ahead of their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB observed a minute’s silence in memory of the 11 supporters who lost their lives in the crowd crush.
Players from both teams wore black armbands, while the RCB squad trained in jerseys carrying the number 11. The franchise also announced that 11 seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium would remain vacant throughout the season as a mark of respect.
The tragedy occurred on June 4, 2025, a day after RCB ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium for a felicitation ceremony organised after the team’s return to Bengaluru.
With the crowd swelling far beyond expectations and entry points struggling to cope, a crush developed outside the venue. Eleven people died and several others were injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be the most celebrated day in the franchise’s history.
The incident led to intense scrutiny of crowd management and event planning, while cricketing activities at the Chinnaswamy Stadium were affected for months.
VIRAT, RAJAT THANK RCB’S ’12TH ARMY’
RCB’s supporters once again made their presence felt in the final on Sunday. Although the match was played at Gujarat Titans’ home venue in Ahmedabad, large sections of the crowd were backing Bengaluru.
Both Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli paid tribute to the franchise’s loyal fan base after helping RCB secure a second successive IPL title.
“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 per cent of the crowd were RCB supporters,” Kohli said.
“That’s something we’ve built over the years and we just want to continue making them proud and putting our best foot forward. Their support is priceless. I’m really happy that they were able to celebrate with us tonight and witness us lifting the trophy.”
Patidar echoed those sentiments, dedicating the triumph to the fans who have stood by the franchise through nearly two decades of highs and lows.
“This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu,” Patidar said.
A year after tragedy overshadowed their first IPL triumph, RCB ensured their supporters remained at the heart of the celebrations as they lifted the trophy for a second straight season.
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