Gambhir on RCB parade [Source: @Devx_07/x.com]
India head coach, Gautam Gambhir has condemned Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s IPL title victory parade, stating that one should never have road shows as lives of innocent people is critical. For starters, RCB won the IPL title on Tuesday, June 3 and on Wednesday the team got felicitated at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
What did Gambhir say on Bengaluru stampede?
The Stadium holds a capacity of 35,000, however, lakhs of people arrive at the ground to witness the ceremony and it resulted in a stampede situation which killed at-least 11 people and injured 50. Innocent lives were lost as the felicitation ceremony continued despite the activities going on outside.
Ahead of the England tour departure, head coach, Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill attended the pre-tour press conference and Gambhir gave his verdict on RCB's parade.
"I do not think we should have road shows. In the future, we can be more sure about this. My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives. We are all equally responsible for this.
All I can say is, we need to be responsible. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that. You cannot lose 11 people."
FIR registered against RCB
In the aftermath of the horror show, an FIR was registered against RCB and other parties who organised the mega event. Interestingly, the Police officials did warn RCB not to host such a large gathering but nothing prevailed as the franchise went ahead with the ceremony.
"I am always under pressure" Gambhir states
Further, in the presser, Gambhir was also asked about his position as the India head coach and the veteran stated that he is always under constant pressure.
"I am always under pressure. Regardless of whether I would've won the Champions Trophy or not. Because being the coach, you want the results. It does not change with winning or losing."
The first Test in the 5-match series will begin at Headingley, Leeds on June 20. India will head into the series without the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as the veterans retired from the format, last month.