Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar is facing massive criticism on social media after he shared victory photos just hours after a deadly stampede in the city. The tragic incident took place during RCB’s celebratory event outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 fans lost their lives and more than 40 were injured.
Patidar posted a series of photos on Instagram posing with the IPL trophy, along with Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, and head coach Andy Flower. The caption read: "Savouring the winning feeling like..."
While many fans congratulated the team and the injury replacement turned IPL-title winning captain, a large section of users strongly condemned the timing of the post.
Outrage on Social Media
Here’s what some angry fans commented:
“Omg seriously bro? Have some shame. 11 people lost their lives, and you posted your victory like nothing happened. And only after hours, you shared a story—just for formality. Do you even have a heart? Today, I realized you never truly cared about the fans. But we? We were madly devoted to you, like freaking psychos.What’s your answer for the loss of 11 lives? And now, all the players just share one post and move on. That’s it? You’ve lost our respect—not just you, but all of you.”
“POSTED EVEN AFTER THIS INCIDENT...NO SHAME LEFT”
“This is not the time to celebrate we have lost 11 lives and 40 plus are injured because of yours victory parade have some humanity sir.”
“Have some shame your fans Have deid and you were celebrating and posting photos shame on you and your team mates.”
“I guess shame is not invented yet.”
“Rcb fans are loyal but not players shame on you.”
“11 people lost their lives and 50+ injured but the captain is busy posting about win even after 5 hrs of news.”
The comment section quickly flooded with posts demanding accountability and more genuine empathy from the team.
RCB Removes Video, Issues Statement
Before Patidar’s post, the RCB official handle had also uploaded a video showing the team’s bus ride from the airport to the stadium. That post was later deleted after facing heavy backlash.
RCB later issued an official statement:
“Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”
Celebration Turned Tragic
RCB recently lifted their first-ever IPL title after 18 seasons by defeating Punjab Kings in the final match held in Ahmedabad on June 3. The victory was historic, but the event to celebrate the win in Bengaluru turned tragic when overcrowding led to a deadly stampede.