'Hypocrisy much?' Backlash brews as Gautam Gambhir slams RCB's victory parade in Bengaluru; fans recall KKR's 2012 road show

June 3 marked a joyous day across India as one of the most beloved Indian Premier League (IPL) teams ¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ¡ª finally lifted the trophy after 17 long years. However, the joy quickly turned into tragedy on June 4 when a stampede occurred during RCB's victory celebrations in Bengaluru, claiming the lives of 11 people and injuring 56 others outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In the aftermath, the Cubbon Park Police registered an FIR on Thursday (June 5, 2025) against the RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment Private Limited (the event management company), and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), charging them with culpable homicide and other serious offences.

Gautam Gambhir slams RCB's victory parade

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cricketing spectrum, the Indian Test team was preparing to leave for their England tour. Ahead of their departure, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, alongside new captain Shubman Gill, held a press conference.

While addressing various topics, Gambhir was asked about the Bengaluru tragedy. He expressed his condolences to the victims' families and condemned the public celebrations that led to the incident.

"I've never believed in roadshows to mark victories," he said. "Even after winning the 2007 T20 World Cup, I felt the same. People's lives are far more important, and I stand by that."

India coach Gautam Gambhir on Bengaluru stampede during RCB celebrations:

¡®I was never a believer in these road shows. Even when I was playing, we won the 2007 T20 WC I wasn¡¯t keen we have a road show. The lives of people is far more important. What happened in Bengaluru was¡­

¡ª Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) June 5, 2025

Gambhir, a key player in India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup wins, stressed that such celebrations should be held in more controlled settings. "In the future, we should be more careful and opt for closed-door events instead. What happened in Bengaluru is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones," he added.

Is Gautam Gambhir being hypocritical?

However, Gambhir's remarks sparked backlash online, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter), with many fans pointing out a seeming contradiction in his stance.

In 2012, under his captaincy, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) held a grand victory parade after winning their first IPL title. The five-kilometre-long open-top bus procession, from Hazra in South Kolkata to the Writers' Building, attracted massive crowds. While it didn¡¯t result in a stampede, there were reports of police using batons to control the crowd, causing minor injuries.

Gautam Gambhir:

"I don't believe in Roadshows". pic.twitter.com/ohVnIClazG

¡ª Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 5, 2025

GAMBHIR ON BENGULURU INCIDENT:

"I was never a believer in having road shows - I thought so as a player & think of it now - My heart goes out to those who suffered from tragedy".

Gautam Gambhir is the most dogla person on the planet#GautamGambhir #ArrestKohli pic.twitter.com/0o35ei5OtX

¡ª sumit ?? (@sumit45678901) June 6, 2025

Although Gambhir insists he has always opposed roadshows, critics accuse him of hypocrisy and selective memory. His comments have reignited discussions about the responsibility of franchises and authorities when organizing large-scale celebrations, especially concerning public safety.